Why Living Donation Matters
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Important Facts About Kidney Donation
The Need Is Urgent
- Over 100,000 people are currently on the U.S. kidney transplant waiting list
- 5,000+ new patients are added each month
- 13–15 people die every day waiting for a kidney
- In 2024, about 28,000 kidney transplants were performed, only 6,400 from living donors.
What You Should Know About Living Donation
- 1 in 1,000 people are born with only one kidney and live full, healthy lives
- Donating a kidney involves 2–3 days in the hospital and a 10–14 day recovery.
- The procedure is done via laparoscopic surgery — minimally invasive, not major surgery.
- No impact on life expectancy; donors return to everyday life, including diet, travel, and exercise
- Donors receive priority status on the transplant list if they ever need a kidney themselves.
Living Donor vs. Deceased Donor
Living Donor Deceased Donor Wait Time | Scheduled in advance | 3–7+ years on average
Kidney Function | Immediate | May take days/weeks to start
Lifespan | 15–25 years | 8–15 years
Complications | Fewer | Higher risk of rejection & infection
Planning | Flexible scheduling | Must be ready 24/7 for a sudden call
Dialysis vs. Transplant
- Transplant patients live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than those on dialysis.
- Dialysis increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, infections, and daily fatigue.
- Transplant recipients often return to work, travel more freely, and live without dietary restrictions.
Be the Difference
Becoming a living donor or sharing this message could save a life — and bring hope where needed most.