Becoming a Living Organ Donor
Currently, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ match through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Unfortunately, being on the list doesn't guarantee getting the organ in time, which could lead to deteriorating health.
But here's the good news, living donors can step in and help right away
Living donors can help save lives by donating a kidney, a part of your liver, or other organs and tissues while they are alive. Each year, around 6,500 people undergo life-saving transplants thanks to the generosity of living donors.
Who can be a Living Donor?
Many living donors are family members and friends, but some also choose to donate to strangers or those in their community.
Discover inspiring stories from real people who have experienced the life-changing impact of living donation at UI Health.
Is Living Donation safe?
Living donation is very safe for the donor and the recipient. The donor's health and safety are of utmost importance during the transplant process. The donor can decide not to proceed with the procedure at any time. In addition, if the donor’s risks have changed during the process, the transplant will not proceed.
Donors have gone on to live active, healthy lives, knowing they've made a remarkable difference in someone else's life.
Raquel (Rocky) Regalado, left, was a living liver donor for her mother, Raquel Ramirez. They had their donor/transplant surgeries at UI Health in March 2023. Read their story.
Why should I become a Living Donor?
Unlike waiting for organs from deceased donors, living donors offer a direct solution, providing organs promptly. This means less waiting and less risk of the patient’s health deteriorating further.
Other benefits of becoming a living donor include:
- Living organ donation can help free up space on the UNOS waitlist so that more people can receive the life-saving care they need.
- As a living donor, you can select the recipient of your organ, potentially reducing their wait time for a transplant.
- Living kidney donation can either prevent the need for kidney dialysis altogether or significantly shorten the duration of dialysis treatment.
Click here for more specific information about living donors for someone in need of a kidney or liver:
Kidney Transplant Living Donor Liver Transplant Living Donor
Living Donor Patient Stories
Learn about some of our other patients and their experiences with living donation.
Liver Transplant – Raquel and Rocky's Story
When Raquel Ramirez needed a life-saving liver transplant, her daughter, Rocky, did not hesitate to step up.
With Little Hope for Life-Saving Transplant, Woman Receives Kidney in Unique Procedure
Despite years of dialysis and bleak transplant prospects, Lana Schmidt received a life-saving kidney transplant through innovative treatment.
Kidney Transplant – That No Other Hospital Could Provide
The kidney transplant that no other hospital could after being diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
If you are interested in becoming a living donor, please call 312.996.6771.
