It’s Not Only a Good Deed, It’s Such an Easy Process: Matt Aaronson’s Kidney Donation Story

I donated a kidney to my sister on March 25, 2026, but this journey goes back before her. My dad had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). He had two kidney transplants and passed away about 16 years ago, when he was 62.

Because it’s genetic, he passed it on to both my sister and my brother. My sister was always in a worse place than my brother. My brother is still stable. I was the lucky one—I didn’t have PKD, and I always told my brother and sister that I would donate a kidney to whoever needed it first.

I had been researching the process even before I donated because I really wanted to get the word out about living donation, especially for my brother in case he does need a kidney someday. Because of our family situation, I always knew donating was a possibility for me, and I took any opportunity to tell our story. 

A few years ago, my sister approached me about donating and I said absolutely. There was no hesitation—I just jumped right in. I found out I was a direct match with her. I was it—she didn’t have any other options. It was a blessing.  

Everything has been great. We did the donation and transplant at UCLA. Everyone was wonderful. My progression has been normal. I spent one night in the hospital, went home the next day, and recovered at home. This week, I returned to work and everything has been fine.

My sister is doing great. The kidney started working right away, within minutes of going into her. It’s kind of amazing.

To anyone considering kidney donation, I would tell them that it’s not only a good deed, it’s such an easy process. The whole preparation is easy, and everyone is wonderful to you. All the labs and testing are very easy, and the surgery was not a difficult experience at all. It was honestly a really easy and enjoyable experience.

I just feel very blessed and grateful that I was able to do it, and hopefully others would feel the same.

About the Author

Matt Aaronson is a lifelong and proud Angelino. His journey to becoming a living donor began with his father, who struggled with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) until he passed away at the age of 62 to cancer. Upon discovering that both his brother and sister inherited PKD, he always felt like the lucky one whose purpose would be to help his siblings one day. On March 25, 2026, he successfully donated his kidney to his sister. He now remains dedicated to helping his brother by bringing awareness to the living donor program. Matt is happily married to his college sweetheart, Louba, and they share two amazing children, Chloe and Miles. He is grateful for his wonderful family, and gets his inspiration from the light that shines from his beautiful wife and children.