Comments

“What a nice article. My brother is a heart transplant and through experience, we know it would have been easier to find his match this way. It's very nice to know we have people capable of writing the software to do the math, as well as people capable of giving in such an unselfish way.”
– Carol K. Lampe

“I just got a kidney transplant after waiting 7 years on dialysis. I got an email from a live donor but decided to wait for a cadaver one. This is based on reports I have read on kidneys deteriorating with age and that worried me. Also I am in contact with someone who donated to their niece only to be in 3rd stage renal failure 1 year later. I hope more research is being done into the long term of donor's health as much as research is being done on algorithims to matching donors to recipients. ”
– Angie

“The story is great. I just found out that I will have to undergo kidney dialysis because of my diabetes. Eventually I will go on a transplant list through the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh. I have 2 friends that have said whenever the time comes they will be willing to donate. Hope it will work. ”
– Ted

“This story really touches my heart. It is wonderful to hear that healthy individuals have compassion for those who are born with a disease that they have no control over. My son was born with a polycystic kidney disease and was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at age four. The gratitude I have towards doctors and scientist is immeasurable. Stories like this help me rest knowing that when my son reaches kidney failure, there are people ready to help if I can not give him my kidney. I will be ready to pay it forward as well.”
– K. Hansen

“Mine is more of a question then a comment,I need to have my right kidney removed and do not have insurance.I have been trying to find some kind of program that would help with the costs.So far I have not been able to really find out anything so if someone can please turn me in the right direction I would great apreciate it very much. ”
– Jeanne Marie Mendoza

“
The harvesting of organs from deceased donors for cash is one thing. Volunteering one's own organs (kidneys) while one is ALIVE is another thing entirely.

I am a recent recipient of a kidney donated by a friend. I was at Stage V of kidney failure, perhaps months shy of requiring dialysis. I feel like the luckiest man alive.

My donor and I are interested in promoting the concept of live kidney donors receiving college tuition credits in return for their donations (along the lines of Obama's plans for national service--Peace Corps or military service--resulting in a 'free ride' through college). In order to qualify, the donor would have donate to whoever was the best match (not a friend or relative). In other words, it would be an anonymous donation, though donor and recipient could be put in touch with one another.

Consider that a kidney transplanted before a recipient needed dialysis would sidestep years of decreased productivity on the part of the recipient. Not to mention preventing years of physical PAIN, malaise, dietary restrictions, the cost of blood tests, blood pressure (and myriad other) medications, and, of course, the time, cost, and unpleasantness of dialysis itself!

Please visit our blog & join in the conversation (kidneytwin.wordpress.com).”
– Lea Jones

“Hi, I live in Pittsburgh, Pa., and my mom lives with kidney failure; she cannot get proper insurance because she has kidney failure. If anyone has information on insurance, please email me: smalloy17@gmail.com. Thanks”
– shanice malloy

“In 1973 at Mayo Clinic I became a kidney recipient.My LRD/living related donor was my sister. Her remaining kidney never had any problems. Her Gift of Life to me continues functioning near perfect with a 1.2 - 1.4 creatnine all these 36 years! I married and had a son and such a Wonderful Life all these years.
I offer this for thought on the part of the many potential "Pay it Forward" donors out there. One healthy kidney can save a life and you can live a normal healthy life with just one as well. You can start a chain of events saving even more lives. Please consider donation. You truly have the power to Give Life to a family member, a friend, or anyone with such a need. Thank you for even considering such a step.
”
– Aedan McDonald

“Willing to donate Kidney but I believe I should be compensated in some way other than a thank you. Dont know all the details to it if in fact it's illegal to sell a kidney in the United States but I am sure you could fill me in. Willing Donor.
”
– Gary J. Viola

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