Become a Living Kidney Donor

Tens of thousands of adults and children in the U.S. are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. Living organ donation helps close this gap and offers important benefits for transplant recipients, including:

• Better outcomes: Living donor organ recipients have better outcomes and survival rates than those receiving organs from deceased donors.
• Shorter wait times: Living organ donation shortens waitlist times, potentially helping people avoid additional complications of living with organ failure.

What Is Living Kidney Donation?

Living kidney donation gives someone with kidney failure another path to transplant. You give one kidney, and your remaining kidney continues doing the work your body needs. Before donation, our team makes sure the process is safe for you. There are several ways to donate. You can donate:

• To someone you know: You give a kidney to a specific person, such as a family member, friend or loved one.
• To someone you do not know: You give a kidney to a person on the transplant waiting list.
• Through kidney paired donation: You can help your intended recipient, even if you are not a match. We can explore paired donation options that connect donor-recipient pairs with other compatible pairs.

Living Kidney Donor Care and Support in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

Our comprehensive living donor program supports kidney donors. At each step, your dedicated UMass Memorial team ensures you are fully informed and comfortable with the process.

As a living donor, you receive the highest level of care, support and resources:

• Comprehensive evaluations to ensure it’s safe for you to donate
• Personalized care throughout the entire donation process
• Connection with other living donors who can offer support and insights into the donor experience
• The most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive laparoscopic options
• Access to national programs, including kidney paired donation and the voucher program

Your choice and safety guide the entire donation process. We make sure you understand what donation involves, and you can decide not to move forward at any point. You also have access to:

• Independent donor advocacy: Your advocate focuses on your needs and helps make sure you feel informed, respected and free from pressure.
• Financial guidance: Our team helps you understand donation-related costs, insurance questions and possible assistance resources.
• Follow-up after donation: We continue to monitor your recovery and kidney health after surgery

Seven-Time Organ Donation Award Winner

UMass Memorial has received the distinguished Medal of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seven times. This award recognizes our commitment and achievements in increasing organ donation rates. We're proud of the impact we've had on the lives of people needing lifesaving organ transplants. As an organ donor, you become an honored part of our efforts.