I Donated My Kidney—And I Would Do It Again: Mohammad Samsuddin’s Kidney Donation Story

Eight weeks ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life—I donated one of my kidneys to my brother-in-law, Dr. Saidur Rahaman.

Many people asked me, “Weren’t you afraid?” The honest answer is yes. Like most people, I had questions and concerns. Would I be healthy with one kidney? Would I be able to return to my normal life? Would the surgery be safe?

The transplant team at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center answered every question patiently. They performed months of medical evaluations and explained every step of the process. Once they confirmed that I was healthy and a suitable living donor, I felt confident moving forward.

On the day of surgery, I wasn’t thinking about myself. I was thinking about giving someone I love another chance at life.

My brother-in-law is not only a family member—he is a scientist whose work has helped improve eye surgery technology used around the world. Outside of his profession, he also spends much of his time helping educate underprivileged children in rural India. I knew that saving his life meant he could continue serving many others.

The surgery went smoothly, and my recovery surprised me.

I stayed in the hospital for only one night before returning home. Today, just eight weeks later, I am living a completely normal and active life. I walk or run for about an hour every day, regularly take more than 10,000 steps, eat healthy foods, stay well hydrated, and enjoy time with my family. I do everything I did before donating my kidney.

People often think living kidney donation means a lifetime of health problems. That has not been my experience. Thanks to careful screening, an experienced transplant team, and following my doctors’ recommendations, I have recovered well and feel healthy.

The greatest reward is seeing my brother-in-law healthy again. He has returned to his research, his family, and the educational programs he supports for hundreds of children. Watching him live a full life again reminds me every day that my decision was worthwhile.

I understand that living kidney donation is not for everyone. Every potential donor must undergo a thorough medical evaluation, and the decision should always be made carefully in consultation with transplant specialists. But if you are found to be healthy and eligible to donate, I encourage you not to let fear alone stop you.

One decision can save a life.

One donor can give a family hope.

One transplant can allow someone to continue serving their community.

If I had the opportunity to make the same decision again, I would gladly donate my kidney again. Seeing someone receive a second chance at life is one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced.

I hope my story encourages others to learn more about living kidney donation. You may discover that you have the power to change—and even save—a life.

About the Author

Mohammad Samsuddin is from West Bengal, India. He has spent most of his life as a farmer and an adult educator. He also enjoys playing football and spending time with his family. He is blessed with two sons and two daughters, all of whom are well established. When he told them he wanted to donate one of his kidneys to his brother-in-law, they fully supported and encouraged his decision, saying that saving a life is one of the greatest things a person can do. He traveled from India to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he completed the living donor evaluation, donated his kidney, and recovered successfully. Today, he is healthy, active, and grateful that he was able to give someone a second chance at life.