Living donation saves lives. Learn how to help.

Donating a kidney is a life-changing act for both the donor and the recipient. It involves major surgery and is a decision that should not be made lightly, but most people who choose donation say it is the best thing they’ve ever done.

Why Become a Living Donor?

Change Someone's Life
Donating a kidney could give someone a chance for a longer, healthier life, while letting you live yours to the fullest.
Family Voucher
The Family Voucher Program lets you donate to a stranger and provide a voucher for up to five family members in case they ever need a kidney transplant.
Free Medical Screenings
You’ll receive a comprehensive health evaluation at no cost. While this is to ensure donation is safe for you, it can also uncover health conditions you weren’t aware of.
Donor Support & Protection
Donor Shield offers lost wage reimbursement, donor expense reimbursement, complication coverage, and other protections.
Low-Risk Procedure
Kidney donation is generally a very low-risk procedure, with few complications and a mortality rate significantly lower than other common types of surgery.
Improved Quality of Life
Many donors report better physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being after donating, including a renewed sense of purpose and a deep sense of fulfillment.

While I was learning about the donation process, my friend sent me a link to the NKR. I learned about the NKR Voucher Program, that I didn’t need to be a match, that there were virtually no age limitations for donation, and that living with one kidney created no meaningful restrictions. One week after my kidney donation, I was driving and even attended a birthday party. Each day, I’ve regained more energy. I’ve already been out on my bike four times and rode in the MS150 (150 miles), 7 ½ weeks post-surgery.

— Steve Eckhouse, donated a kidney in April 2025

For me, donating wasn’t a heroic decision—it was simply what you do for family when you’re able.

— Mohamed Idris, donated a kidney in September 2025

Thankfully, the NKR has this great program called the Voucher Program, which allowed me to donate to someone else on the transplant list while generating a voucher for my intended recipient. This is a beautiful option because it helps more people in the end.

— Claudia Weiskittel, donated a kidney in June 2025

Donating a kidney allowed me to improve my own health and touch someone else in the process.

— Vernon Peeler, donated a kidney in April 2025

I am forever grateful to the National Kidney Registry’s Donor Shield Program in allowing me to complete a non-directed living kidney donation. Without this wonderful program, I would have not been able to complete this personal act of kindness for someone in need of a kidney. The program provided financial support and assurance through every step of the entire organ donation process from lost wages coverage to travel and lodging associated expenses. I am honored to have been a participant of this program in its efforts of removing barriers for those interested in living donations. My act of kindness simply could have not been possible without this amazing organization!

— Ryan Singh, donated a kidney in January 2025

Donating through the Voucher Program is different because you are not donating directly to the person you want to help. You have to go from a different part of your heart, and know that no matter what happens, you are helping someone.

— Dee Gibson, donated a kidney in December 2024

I never had a single moment of doubt when it came to my donation. I consider being able to donate one of the greatest blessings in my life and would do it again without hesitation. I can’t be all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can share.

— Marcia Hultman, donated a kidney in October 2024

My wife’s family has a history of PKD, she has it and one of my three kids have it (so far). The Voucher Program allowed me to help someone with a kidney now, while I’m young and healthy enough to donate, but also give me the peace of mind that if one of my family members ever need a kidney, that they will be at the top of the list.

— Keith Robinson, donated a kidney in August 2024

Through the Voucher Program, my husband was spared what could have been a six-year wait for a deceased donor. Instead of years of uncertainty and the looming shadow of dialysis, we were given hope, healing, and the chance to live our lives fully again.

— Brandee Burdette, donated a kidney in May 2024

Becoming a living donor changed my life and gave me the incredible gift of saving others. Thanks to essential financial support covering lost wages, travel, and recovery, donors are truly cared for every step of the way. But the true solution to closing the healthcare divide lies in educating and empowering every community about the safety and impact of living donation. When we come together to spread this knowledge, living donation becomes the greatest hope to end the kidney transplant crisis. I urge everyone to.

— Lindsay Gutierrez, donated 40% of her liver in April 2024, donated a kidney in May 2022

Even though I originally hoped to be a direct match for my neighbor, in the end, thanks to the NKR, I was able to save two lives, both my direct recipient, as well as my neighbor, whose team used his voucher to find another living organ and had his transplant 1 month later. Both of these individuals got a better matched organ as a result, which means lower doses of anti rejection drugs for both of them for life! I tell people all of the time how wonderful the NKR is because it opens so many doors for a patient who is in need of a kidney… they just need to find someone who is willing to be a donor, and the NKR will open doors all across the country to find the best possible match for them.

— Kelly Haefs, donated a kidney in March 2024

One misperception that I had about donation prior to learning about the Donor Shield program was that you had to be in a good place financially to take time out of work. Donor Shield took away any financial burdens.

— Tara McNeil, donated a kidney in January 2024

Being a living kidney donor was the greatest experience of my life. I feel so rewarded by having the opportunity to give my son a new chance at life. My donation was November 27, 2023 and I am living my best life since the donation.

— Marie Palazzo, donated a kidney in November 2023

Donating a kidney through the NKR was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The support I received throughout the process was incredible, particularly the resources provided through Donor Shield. From the initial consultation to the follow-up care, the NKR and their member center made the entire process feel effortless. Their commitment to donors and their families truly sets them apart.

— Deserra Lewis, donated a kidney in October 2023

From the very beginning, the whole process of learning about being able to donate, that I didn’t need two kidneys to live, and that if I was healthy enough, I could donate to save someone else’s life, really resonated with me. I know there are so many people who are like me, who would consider donating if they knew more about it. We need more living donors!

— Kathryn Wiley, donated a kidney in August 2023

The National Kidney Registry made the donation process feel seamless and supported from start to finish. One of the biggest benefits for me was the ease of testing before surgery, at-home blood draws, clear instructions, and a simple timeline made it incredibly manageable. Through Donor Shield, I didn’t have to stress about logistics like travel or lodging for my caretaker. Knowing that NKR had my back every step of the way, especially with prompt reimbursement and follow-up, allowed me to focus fully on recovery. It truly made a difference.

— DJ Hardwick, donated a kidney in March 2023

Becoming a double donor has had such a profound impact on my life. It has completely changed the trajectory of my life path for the better. It’s possible becoming a living donor has blessed me more than my organs blessed those who received them.

— Taira Foster, donated a portion of her liver in September 2019, donated a kidney in September 2017