Yes. Living kidney donation is generally very safe and is performed using laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that reduces incisions, pain, and recovery time.

• Most donors **return to everyday life quickly.**
• Donating does not increase your risk of kidney failure, diabetes, or other significant conditions.
• People with one kidney can live **long, healthy lives.**
• Kidney donation does **not typically affect fertility or pregnancy.**
• The remaining kidney will fully handle all necessary functions.

Discomfort is usually minimal. Laparoscopic surgery allows for:

• Shorter hospital stays (typically 1–2 days)
• Faster recovery — most people return to daily routines in 2–4 weeks.
• Less scarring, less pain, and a quicker return to normal life

To be eligible as a living kidney donor, you must:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Be in good physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Have two healthy kidneys
• Meet body weight/BMI and bloodwork criteria.
• Complete a comprehensive medical evaluation.

1. Register online and complete a health questionnaire.
2. A Living Donor Coordinator will contact you.
3. You'll undergo:
   • Bloodwork and lab testing
   • Consultations with nephrologists, surgeons, nurses, and social workers
   • Imaging studies and other necessary medical exams

You’ll be guided through the process every step of the way.

No.
All medical costs related to testing, surgery, and follow-up care are 100% covered by my insurance.
You won’t be billed, and your own health insurance won’t be used.

You can still help! There are multiple donation pathways:

• Direct Donation – You're a match and donate directly to me
• Paired Donation (Swap) – You’re not a match, but we "swap" with another donor/recipient pair.
• Kidney Chain – You help start a donation chain that benefits multiple patients.

These programs increase the chances of successful matches for everyone involved.

No — but it’s the best one.

• Dialysis is life-extending, but not life-enhancing. It has many side effects and limits daily life.
• Deceased donor kidneys are an option, but the wait is 3–7 years, and the outcomes aren’t as strong.

Living donor kidneys last longer, work better, and give recipients the best chance at a healthy, active life.

📈 The Bottom Line

• Over 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney.
• Living donation saves lives faster and with better outcomes.
• You can be the reason someone — me — gets a second chance.

Feel free to send me an email, give me a call or contact the Transplant Department at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, NJ)

• Transplant Department: 973-322-5938

Information: rwjbh.org/ldi