By Caroline Ward 

Every day, lives are transformed through the selfless generosity of living kidney donors. With over 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list, and more than 85% in need of a kidney, the demand for living donors has never been greater.  

By choosing to donate a kidney, you can offer a recipient the chance to bypass an average wait time of 2 to 5 years, receive a healthier organ with better long-term outcomes, and recover more quickly. In 2023 alone, over 6,900 lives were saved thanks to living donors. 

A heartwarming example of this generosity comes from VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, where employee Kim Nelson was in dire need of a kidney. Her colleague, Jacqueline Ambrose, stepped forward without hesitation to donate her kidney. This life-changing decision has allowed Kim to enjoy more precious years with her family and friends.  

“It's a miracle some people have to wait for,” Kim said. “It was really special to me because I lost my brother at age 47 due to complications with kidney failure... So having this blessing was just amazing.” 

Now, Kim and Jacqueline are on a mission to raise awareness about the incredible gift of life that living organ donation provides. Could you be the next lifesaving donor like Jacqueline? 

What are the benefits of living kidney donation? 

For recipients, a donated kidney offers the opportunity to avoid years on the national waiting list, during which their health could deteriorate. Receiving a lifesaving transplant earlier in the course of their illness significantly improves long-term outcomes and speeds up recovery time. Living donor kidneys generally function better and last longer than those from deceased donors, as well. 

Who can be a living kidney donor? 

Donors can be family, friends, coworkers, or even altruistic individuals – strangers who donate their organs to someone they don’t know out of the desire to help others. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, in good health with no major medical conditions, like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension, and have stable mental health.  

Even if you are not a compatible match, programs such as paired exchanges or “kidney swaps” can help find a suitable match.  

Also, you’ll need a designated caregiver who can help you in your daily life before, during and after transplant while you recover. 

How can someone prepare? 

Before deciding to donate, consider the time and responsibilities involved. Open conversations with loved ones, your employer, and other important people in your life are essential to ensure everyone understands the process and can support you on this lifesaving journey. 

Be prepared for travel and the time needed for evaluations, surgery, and follow-up appointments. You should plan for approximately 2 to 4 weeks of recovery time, which may require taking leave from work. 

How much will it cost me to be a donor? 

As a kidney donor, your medical expenses are covered by the recipient's insurance. At VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center, we can assist you with wage and travel reimbursement programs, as well, to ensure your expenses are minimal, if any.  

What is recovery like after donation? 

At Hume-Lee, most kidney donor surgeries are performed using minimally invasive, robotic techniques. This surgical innovation offers less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery. Donors typically stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days and the total recovery time is roughly 2 to 4 weeks. 

What are the next steps if I’m interested? 

You’ll start by completing a brief health questionnaire at vcuhealthlivingdonor.org. From there, our dedicated team will contact you to guide you through the living donor process. 

As a donor, you will receive comprehensive support from a team of medical professionals focused solely on your well-being. 

 Find out how you can save a life by becoming a living organ donor. Visit our website or call 804-828-2762.

More health and wellness news