“His kindness isn’t loud—it’s steady, dependable, and real.
If you needed help, Vincent was already there before you asked.”
One Altruistic Donor Starts Life-saving Chain of Kidney Donations
Top Donor Concerns
The #1 Concern: What Happens If My Remaining Kidney Ever Fails?
First, kidney failure in living donors is extremely rare. Research shows that kidney donors generally live normal, health lives after donation. In fact, “20 years after donating, 85% of kidney donors are still alive, compared to the expected 66% (i.e., without kidney surgery).”
Northwestern provides important protections for living donors, including priority access to a transplant if a donor needs one later in life. In practical terms, that means donors move to the front of the line for a living kidney.
Do I have to be a perfect match?
Not at all. Even if your blood type does not match, kidney exchange programs allow donors to help through paired donation, which means your kidney goes to someone else but your donor will get an appropriate match from the "pool" of kidney donors in the US. One donation often saves 6-7 lives at once!
Do people die from donating a kidney?
Rarely. The mortality rate for kidney donors is estimated at 9-22 deaths for every 100,000 surgeries... for context, research shows that rate is roughly: the same risk as a tonsillectomy, 15x safer than an appendectomy, 4x safer for a Mom giving birth, and 80x safter than US inpatient surgery.
Rarely. The mortality rate for kidney donors is estimated at 9-22 deaths for every 100,000 surgeries... for context, research shows that rate is roughly:
Listen to real kidney donors discuss risks in this Video!
What happens to my remaining kidney after surgery?
First, it takes over and does the work of two kidneys. Understand that most humans are born with two kidneys and you only need one to live and one kidney will keep you healthy! Second, about 1 in 750 Americans live with just one kidney due to an issue at birth, an accident, or removal due to cancer... and kidney donors' life span is greater than the general population (see National Library of Medicine).
Watch doctor explain how one kidney takes over for two after donation!
How will my life change with one kidney?
Not much. You will have some recovery time after surgery which is based on your health, age and other factors. Then, after surgery, your medical team will schedule preventive medical checks, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and kidney function tests – all covered 100% by my insurance. After that, just go live your life.
Are there any other risks to my overall health from surgery?
Like with any surgery, the usual risks are pain, infection, reaction to anesthesia, etc. I suggest you discuss any concerns with your medical team.
You are screened upfront for any physical, emotional, financial or mental health risk - now and in the future - based on extensive testing by a team of medical professionals. You will be removed from consideration as a donor if a risk - present or future - is discovered. As indication of health risks perceived by donors who completed surgery: "99% of donors say they would recommend living kidney donation."
Should I discuss a potential donation with my employer?
Most employers are very supportive of employees who donate an organ. Just use your common sense. First, understand the law (see below) and your employer's policy on organ donation if one exists. Second, express your desire to donate a kidney with your boss or HR department prior to evaluation and testing.
Will the doctors protect my health?
The donor evaluation process is extremely rigorous. Northwestern doctors evaluate your health today and decades into the future before approving donation.
What if I change my mind or my situation changes?
You can change your mind for ANY reason ANY time. Unless you communicated with the patient before, nobody will ever know you changed your mind. Your decision is private.
Can I become pregnant after donating a kidney?
Yes, but doctors recommend you wait 6 months after surgery.
Watch the Confessions of a Kidney Donor
Donor Benefits & Protections
I'd love to donate, but money is tight. I don't think I can afford the time off work and expenses.
Good news... Northwestern makes donation "cost neutral" with strong financial benefits and a financial counselor to explain them. Here are the details:
100% medical coverage through patient's insurance.
Reimbursement for lost wages related to surgery and recovery
Reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs:
Transportation for donation – taxi, ride share, car rental, parking, mileage @ IRS rate
Lodging for hotel, motel, Airbnb, etc., for loved ones accompanying you
Meals during testing, surgery and recovery while at surgical hospital
Dependent care for child or adult, such as day care, before- and after-school care, in-home care and summer day camp
Not covered expenses – mileage, gas and parking to your evaluation
Are donors compensated for donating a kidney?
No, that's against federal law. But the goal of transplant hospitals and their partners is to make living kidney donation "cost neutral."
Can my employer discourage me from donating or discriminate against me?
No, Federal and Illinois laws prohibit job discrimination, denial of insurance coverage or price increases for health, disability, life and long-term care as follows:
Federal Protection: The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) “protects the job security of living donors.” See article by National Kidney Foundation, “Job Security for Living Organ Donation Guaranteed under Family and Medical Leave Act.”
State Protection: The Illinois Organ Donor Leave Act states “an employee may not be required to use accumulated sick or vacation leave time before being eligible for organ donor leave.” Illinois House Bill 2847 “prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for requesting or obtaining a leave of absence to undergo an organ donation and prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums or rates for living donors for disability, life and long-term care insurance.”