If you or a loved one needs a kidney transplant, the best option is to receive a kidney from a living donor. A kidney from a living donor is expected to last longer than a kidney from a deceased donor. Patients who find a living kidney donor will not have to wait to receive a kidney.
A living kidney donor does not face out-of-pocket costs for their evaluation, surgery or follow-up appointments. There may also be financial aid available to help donors with lost-wage reimbursement, travel expenses or dependent care costs.
If you need help finding a living kidney donor, here are some useful tips.
Where to Start
Make a list of possible donors who might be interested in donating their kidney. Your list can include anyone you know, including:
- Family members
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Church or social group members
- Co-workers
Brainstorm with family and friends about what may be the best way to spread the word, whether it is through social media, talking with potential donors, etc. It is usually more effective to have a direct approach by asking potential donors in person. Make sure they are aware that living kidney donation is the best option and ask them to share your story with others.
It may help you to choose a family member or friend to be a champion. This champion can be the one to ask potential donors about their willingness to donate and provide education about living kidney donation.
Reaching People You Don’t Know
In addition to asking people you know to potentially be a living kidney donor, you may need to reach people you don’t know. The following are some steps you can take to raise awareness and reach more people:
- Create a social media page
- Host an event
- Ask a church leader to make an announcement to the congregation
- Put out a sign in your yard or a bumper sticker on your car
- Make T-shirts
Sharing Your Story on Social Media
Social media can be an effective way to reach a wide variety of potential living kidney donors. The following are some tips for sharing your story on your social media platform of choice:
- Tell your story and explain why living kidney donation is the best option
- Keep it simple
- Make sure to include your full legal name
- Set your post to “public” so it can be shared
You do not need to list your blood type. Even if a potential donor comes forward and is not a blood type match, paired kidney donation is a great option that allows multiple donor/recipient pairs that are not compatible to switch donors.
UofL Health – Trager Transplant Center is Here to Help
If you know someone interested in becoming your living kidney donor, or if you need help with more ideas on how to share your story, contact the UofL Health – Trager Transplant Center. Our team supports potential donors through every step and conducts a comprehensive evaluation to ensure donation is safe for them.
If you are interested in donating your kidney, please complete this referral form.
To contact the Living Kidney Donor Transplant Program at Trager Transplant Center, call 502-587-4358.
