Top Donor Concerns

Will donating a kidney shorten my life?

Not one day! Research proves that kidney donors live longer than the general population. In fact, “20 years after donating, 85% of kidney donors are still alive, compared to the expected 66% (i.e., without kidney surgery).”

Why? Possible explanations include 1) the altruistic act of saving a life and the happiness and satisfaction that follows and 2) “selection bias” since only healthy people screened to be a living donor are approved.

Do people die from donating a kidney?

As often as a tonsillectomy which means hardly ever... about 7 deaths for every 100,000 surgeries according to the National Kidney Registry. Watch this video. For context, that's about 15 times safer than an appendectomy and 80 times safer than being born (per CDC the infant mortality rate in 2019 was 558 out of 100,000).

Can you explain the "lifetime guarantee" on my remaining kidney?

Yes! It's called "Kidney Prioritization" provided by Donor Shield. That means you get a forever lifetime guarantee on your remaining kidney. So, if anything happens to your remaining kidney - for whatever reason and at any time in the future - you'll go to "the front of the line" for a new living donor kidney. And the cost is covered 100% by Donor Shield.

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 article by National Institutes of Health).

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.”

Financially, I can't afford time off work, out-of-pocket costs or medical costs.

You are paid up to $12,000 for 6 weeks of lost salary and $6,000 for out-of-pocket expenses (including a caregiver for you, a child or parent if necessary) through the Donor Shield program. Click here for details. My insurance pays for 100% of your medical expenses.

I'm afraid that donating a kidney could affect my job or insurance.

First, that's against Federal and Illinois law and most companies wouldn't risk the public backlash over it. Second, your medical team includes a financial counselor and social worker who will work through these issues with you. Third, just in case some knucklehead messes with you, Donor Shield provides free legal support.

Several Federal and State laws prohibit job discrimination, denial of insurance coverage or price increases for health, disability, life and long-term care insurance:

Federal Laws

• 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.”

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more to people with pre-existing conditions

State Laws

• 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.”

• Click here for kidney donation laws for all states

Should I discuss a potential donation with my employer?

Here's my common sense answer. First, understand the law (see above) 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. Most employers are highly supportive of employees who donate an organ.

Can I become pregnant after donating a kidney?

Yes, but doctors recommend you wait 6 months after surgery.