Living Kidney Donation: One “Yes” Can Change a Life
A Living Kidney Donation Story That Stays With You
If you’ve ever wondered what living kidney donation really looks like, this CBS Evening News story is a powerful place to start: a 25-year-old man chose to become a living donor—helping save the life of a 9-year-old child he didn’t even know. CBS News+1
Stories like this matter because they remind us: living donation isn’t an abstract idea. It’s real people making a deeply personal decision that can mean more time, more health, and more life for someone else.
Why living donors are urgently needed
Right now in the U.S., tens of thousands of people are waiting for a kidney—and the need remains far greater than the available organs. (For context: OPTN data listed ~94,015 people waiting for a kidney as of 12/01/2025.) OPTN
A living donor can help shorten the wait and, in many cases, allows a transplant to happen sooner—often before years of dialysis.
What living kidney donation can look like
Living donation may be:
Directed (to a family member, friend, coworker)
Non-directed / altruistic (to someone you don’t know)
Part of a paired exchange (helping more than one person through matching)
Common questions (quick, practical answers)
“Can you live a normal life with one kidney?”
For most people with one healthy kidney, yes—many live healthy, normal lives. National Kidney Foundation
“What’s recovery like?”
UNOS notes many kidney donors stay in the hospital about two days, and most return to normal activities in about 4–6 weeks (depending on the demands of daily life/work). UNOS
“Is living donation risk-free?”
No—living donation involves real medical risk, and it’s important that potential donors get thorough evaluation and clear counseling. OPTN
Want to learn more (without pressure)? Start here.
If your heart is curious—but your brain has questions (very normal)—here are simple first steps:
Watch the CBS story to understand the human side of living donation. CBS News+1
Read reliable basics on living donation (UNOS / NKF are great starting points). UNOS+1
Talk to a transplant center remember: you can explore and ask questions without committing to anything.
Talk to someone who’s been there. ReMend is here to support people across the kidney journey—patients, families, and caregivers—so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Bottom line: Living donation is a personal decision. But learning more? That’s something anyone can do today.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general education only and is not medical advice. If you’re considering living donation, talk with a qualified healthcare professional and a transplant center to understand eligibility, risks, and next steps.
