Living Donor Program

About the Living Donor Program

Living Kidney Donation is when a person donates one of their kidneys to another person. A donor can be a family member, relative, friend, teacher, coach, or a Good Samaritan. Rady Children’s Hospital has partnered with the leading living kidney transplant center in San Diego at the University of California San Diego.

In collaboration with UCSD, donors undergo a thorough evaluation before a kidney transplant and work with a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and living donor advocates.

Life on Dialysis

Life on dialysis is challenging for children, affecting their growth, energy levels, and daily activities. Treatments can take hours multiple times a week, limiting their ability to attend school, play, and enjoy a normal childhood. Dialysis is a temporary solution, not a cure, and over time, it can take a toll on their overall health.

A kidney transplant from a living donor offers the best chance for a longer, healthier life, allowing children to thrive without the burdens of dialysis. Living donation can make a life-changing difference, giving a child the opportunity for a brighter future.

The Power of Living Kidney Donation

After testing confirmed she was a suitable living donor match, Melanie successfully donated her kidney to her daughter, Quincy. Read More.

A kidney transplant from a living donor is the best possible option for a child in need. Compared to a kidney from a deceased donor, a living donor kidney has longer survival rates (15-20 years vs. 10-15 years), better compatibility, and improved overall outcomes. Additionally, planned surgery minimizes risks and allows for a smoother recovery process.

Each year, Rady Children’s performs 10 to 15 kidney transplants, with nearly half coming from living donors. Donors may be parents, siblings, extended family, friends, or even compassionate strangers who choose to give the gift of life.

Living vs. Deceased Kidney Donation

Kidney transplants from living donors have multiple advantages over transplants from deceased donors.
On average, a kidney from a living donor can last 15-20 years.

• A living donation between family members who have similar genetics means less chance of rejection.
• A kidney from a living donor usually shortens the hospital stay for the recipient.
• Living donors can be scheduled and planned in advance for living donation.
• Patients may receive a transplant before initiating dialysis treatment.

Quick Facts About Kidney Transplants

• Over 22,000 people in California are waiting for organ transplants, including many children.
• Each year, 1,000 kids are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and require dialysis.
• 2,100 children are currently on the national transplant waiting list.
• The average wait time for a kidney transplant is 3-5 years.
• 30% of pediatric kidney transplants come from living donors.
• Living donation reduces wait times, offers better outcomes, and allows children to return to their normal lives faster.

Can I Be a Donor?

Thousands of children remain on the kidney transplant waitlist, with an average wait time of two to three years.
A living donor can save a child’s life much sooner. To be a living donor, you must fit all of the qualifications below:

1. 21 years or older — some centers will take 18-year-old donors with careful consideration.
2. Willing to donate on your own free will and knowing the full risks and complications.
3. Negative pregnancy test.
4. Complete medical, surgical, and psychological evaluation.
5. Your body mass index (BMI), a calculation of your weight and height, must be below 35.

Types of Living Kidney Donation

Directed: A donor chooses a person such as a child, family member, or friend. The donor and recipient must have compatible blood to complete the transplant.

Non-Directed: A donor gives their kidney to a stranger. This is called an altruistic or good Samaritan donation and is an amazing and selfless gift to give to another.

Paired Donation (Paired Exchange): This is an option for a donor who would like to donate their kidney to a specific person but is not blood-type compatible. They are still able to donate and help their loved ones through paired donations. They donate their kidney to another recipient who has an incompatible donor, and they are paired.

Voucher Donation: A donor can gift a voucher through the donation of their kidney to a loved one, and then the voucher is given to the recipient, providing prioritization to receive a living donor kidney through the National Kidney Registry.

The Living Kidney Donation Process

Rady Children’s partners with UC San Diego Health, the region’s top living kidney transplant center, to ensure the highest level of care for both donors and recipients. Once you have decided to donate, the donation process follows a thorough, well-structured approach:

• Initial Screening – A medical assessment determines if the donor is healthy and free of conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Compatibility Testing – Doctors conduct immune system evaluations to ensure the kidney will be a good match for the recipient.
• Imaging & Kidney Function Tests – CT or MRI scans assess kidney structure and function.
• Education & Counseling – Donors receive information about the process, post-surgery recovery, and long-term health, along with psychological and emotional support.
• Final Approval – A medical review board evaluates the donor’s case before scheduling surgery.

Donor Evaluation

We encourage anyone who is interested in being a living donor to
complete the confidential online application.

The team of living donor advocates at UCSD Medical Center will review your answers to determine if you are a possible donor and contact you to schedule your health screening.

Once approved, your evaluation at UCSD will consist of blood, urine, and ultrasound tests. You will have a full evaluation with the living donor team. In addition, you will need to receive routine care such as a Pap test, mammogram, or colonoscopy. During the evaluation period, you will be provided with a Care Navigator who will assist you through work-up completion.

The evaluation process includes:

• Comprehensive blood, urine, and imaging tests.
• A full medical examination.
• Routine preventive screenings (Pap test, mammogram, or colonoscopy, if applicable).
• Guidance from a dedicated Care Navigator throughout your journey.

I Want To Donate!

If you are interested in being a living donor, you can start the process today by providing your health history.

1. Complete the questionnaire online.
2. Or call 858-657-7729 and we can assist you.

Health History Questionnaire

What to Expect as a Donor

Before Surgery:
The donor undergoes final preoperative evaluations, including lab tests and imaging. They receive anesthesia, ensuring they are completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

During Surgery: Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Once approved, the donor undergoes a laparoscopic nephrectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove a kidney for transplantation. This technique involves making several small incisions in the abdomen, through which a tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon carefully detaches the kidney, which is then removed through a slightly larger incision, typically near the lower abdomen. The procedure generally lasts three to four hours. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently expand the abdominal cavity, providing the surgeon with better visibility and space to operate. The kidney is carefully removed and immediately transported to Rady Children’s Hospital for transplantation.

After Surgery:
Most donors stay in the hospital for one to two nights for monitoring and pain management. Recovery time is typically four to six weeks, during which donors are encouraged to rest and gradually resume normal activities. The remaining kidney adjusts over time to take over full function, ensuring the donor continues to live a healthy life. To recover from surgery fully, you may not lift more than 10 lbs. Your Care Navigator will assist in preparing and educating you about self-care after surgery.

Though this is a major type of surgery, laparoscopic techniques minimize scarring, reduce pain, and shorten recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Many donors report feeling a deep sense of fulfillment knowing they have helped save a life.

Life After Donating a Kidney

Life after kidney donation is much like life before—it doesn’t significantly change your daily routine or long-term health! Research shows that living kidney donors, regardless of ethnicity, have the same life expectancy as those who haven’t donated. Donation does not shorten lifespan.

For female donors considering pregnancy, it’s recommended to wait 6 months to 1 year after surgery. This allows the body to heal and adjust to living with one kidney. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying to conceive, as there is a small risk of developing high blood pressure and other pregnancy-related conditions. Proper prenatal care is essential.

Pain medication is typically needed only for a short period after surgery. Donating a kidney does not require lifelong medication—your transplant team will determine the appropriate pain management plan for you post-surgery. There are no strict dietary restrictions after kidney donation, though a balanced, healthy diet is always beneficial. Donors can still consume alcohol in moderation. To protect your remaining kidney, take precautions if participating in contact sports or activities with a risk of injury.

The Life-Changing Impact of Living Donation

Thousands of children remain on the kidney transplant waitlist, with an average wait time of two to three years. A living donor can save a child’s life much sooner.

Financial Assistance for Donors

Programs such as Donor Shield provide comprehensive financial support, covering:

• Lost wages during recovery.
• Travel and lodging expenses related to donation.
• Priority transplant status if the donor ever develops kidney disease.
• Vouchers for family members, ensuring future transplant priority if needed.

COST: UCSD provides information on programs that may financially assist donors.

Donor Shield Benefits:
https://www.donor-shield.org/kidney-donors/

National Donor Assistance Center:
https://www.livingdonorassistance.org/

Questions to Ask the Living Donor Team

• What does the evaluation process involve, and how long does it typically take at your center?
• Is parking validation or free parking available for my evaluation and surgery?
• Will I need assistance before and after donation? If so, what kind of support will I require?
• Are there any financial assistance programs, either nationally or through the transplant center, that I may qualify for (e.g., NLDAC, NKR Donor Shield)?
• Can I be connected with a previous donor from this center to hear about their experience?
• What should I expect in terms of recovery and long-term health after donation?

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Living Donor Coordinator below:

Whitney Burns, RN
Phone: 858-966-4953

Transplant Education & Additional Resources

UNOS | United Network for Organ Sharing | US Organ Transplantation

Donate Life America

The National Kidney Foundation

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kidneys

Your kidneys work all day and night to keep you healthy. But how much do you really know about them? Here are 10 surprising facts about these amazing bean-shaped organs!

1. Kidneys Are Bigger Than You Think!
   They are about the size of your fist, but they do a big job in your body!
2. Filtration Powerhouses
   Your kidneys filter 50 gallons of blood every day! They remove waste, balance fluids, and keep you healthy.
3. Kidney Beans Are Named After Them
   The kidney bean got its name because it looks just like your kidney!
4. You Only Need One
   You can live a perfectly normal life with just one kidney, which is why kidney donations save lives!
5. They Help With Vitamin D
   Your kidneys turn vitamin D into the form your body needs for strong bones.
6. Tiny but Mighty
   When babies are born, their kidneys are only 30% the size of an adult’s, but they grow fast!
7. Kidney Size Grows with Age
   By the time a child is one year old, their kidneys are almost as strong as an adult’s!
8. Hydration Champs
   Kids can get dehydrated faster than adults because their kidneys are still developing.
   That’s why drinking lots of water is so important!
9. They Control Blood Pressure
   Your kidneys help regulate blood pressure by making a special enzyme called renin.
10. Ready to Go!
    When functioning properly, a baby’s kidneys start working before they are even born—as early as 9-11 weeks in the womb!