The Big Ask, The Big Give How to talk with someone about becoming your donor How to accept a donation How to become a donor How your story matters to others
The Big Ask, The Big Give If you're in need of a kidney transplant and seeking a donor or you're thinking about becoming a living kidney donor, you probably have a lot of questions. If you re already a recipient or a donor, you probably have a lot of answers.
The Big Ask: Initial Steps First, be sure you re a candidate for transplant not everybody is. If you have a donor in mind, talk with them about their options and have them contact your transplant center. If you don t have a donor in mind, you may be able to find one, but you should definitely get on the list for a kidney from a deceased donor.
The Big Ask: Overcoming Fears You re afraid your donor s health will suffer. Those who ultimately become donors are typically much healthier than the general population. Your donor will be evaluated both physically and mentally before being accepted as a donor. In fact, the donor s well-being will always be put above yours when it comes to this surgery, even if it means you losing out on your new kidney. You re worried donating will cause a financial hardship for your potential donor. Generally, the recipient s insurance will pay for testing and surgery expenses. Be sure you and your potential donor talk with a financial counselor or social worker for assistance with questions about travel expenses, follow-up care and time off work. Also, the National Living Donor Assistance Program provides financial assistance to those who want to donate an organ but are not able to afford the travel and living expenses associated with organ donation. You don t like to ask people for help with anything. There s no doubt: Asking for a kidney takes courage. But you can start just by beginning to tell your story to people who are curious. This opens up the lines of communication and makes any eventual ask easier.
How to Make the Big Ask Learn all you can. This way you ll be able to better explain your situation and the donation process to friends and family. Raise awareness by sharing your story. Use all you ve learned to start conversations about living with kidney disease. Be open and honest. Ask for help sharing your story. If you re not comfortable talking about your situation, perhaps a friend or family member will help get the word out for you. Even your church or a local community organization could help. Use technology (but be careful). Facebook, Twitter, Instagram with social media, your access to potential donors is better than ever before.
The Big Give: Quick Facts A live organ can come from a family member, good friend, spouse, in-law or even from a stranger. To donate a kidney, you must be in good health and have normal kidney function. Donors are never financially compensated. Under federal law, it is illegal to receive money or gifts in exchange for an organ donation. Although many donors suffer no complications, there are risks whenever a surgery is performed.
The Big Give: What to Consider There s no medical benefit to you if you donate. You will have a scar, and although complications are rare, you may experience other medical issues as a result of your donation. You could suffer financial inconveniences, like lost wages or travel expenses. Not all transplants are successful, but if you donate, you could save the life of someone you love (or a stranger). Need help with your decision? Talk it through with a social worker at the transplant center
The Big Give: Becoming A Donor Talk with the person who needs a kidney, and let them know you re interested in being tested. If your potential recipient does not want you to donate, that s OK. Your potential recipient has the right to refuse your donation. You could choose to donate to someone else if you still want to be a donor. If your potential recipient agrees to your donation, contact your recipient s transplant center and ask for the Kidney Transplant Coordinator. You ll undergo several tests to determine whether you re a match, and you may get the chance to save someone s life.
How Your Story Matters Already a kidney donor or recipient? Spread the word on your experience. People considering transplantation and people considering donation may have lots of questions for you. Answer if you can! You can raise awareness by sharing your story. Isn t helping others great?!
Meet Today s Panel and Ask Questions! Living kidney donors Recipients of living donors Recipients of paired exchanges Recipients of deceased donors Kidney patients who are still looking for their donors