WELCOME
We sincerely appreciate your interest in becoming a living kidney donor. Your willingness to consider such a selfless act is remarkable. Please watch this video to learn more about your GiftWorks Living Donor Navigator, Robin Paolino.
Living Kidney Donor: Next Steps
- Schedule a confidential call with your GiftWorks Donor Navigator for an overview of the evaluation, donation, and recovery process.
- Your Navigator is not part of the medical team but will support you throughout your journey and check in regularly to offer assistance and support.
- The call, lasting 5 to 30 minutes, provides valuable insights to help you make an informed decision, and loved ones are welcome to join.
- Your Navigator is also a living kidney donor, offering firsthand experience and guidance.
- Complete the National Kidney Registry’s Online Health Questionnaire using the recipient’s name and date of birth from the email sent by our team.
- The process takes about 30 minutes and doesn’t commit you to donating—you can opt out at any time.
- When asked, select University of Utah Medical Center as the recipient’s transplant center. However, donors often donate at a center closer to home, and you’ll choose your preferred center later in the process to ensure recovery near home.
- Taking this health survey is a great first step to see if you can continue with the evaluation.
- After your initial health questionnaire is reviewed and approved, a lab kit will be sent for blood work, which can be completed at a local Quest or another blood draw facility.
- This test checks for compatibility with the intended recipient and measures other general health indicators.
- The results will be sent to the National Kidney Registry (NKR) for review.
- After processing your labs, the NKR will contact you to choose a transplant center for your evaluation, donation, and follow-up care.
- You have one week to select a center; otherwise, one will be chosen for you.
- There are several factors to consider when choosing a center. Here is additional information to help you select a center.
- You may also discuss your options with your Donor Navigator if you would like support.
What's Next?
The Living Donor Team from Your Selected Transplant Center Will Contact You
After completing the initial steps, the Living Donor Team at your selected Transplant Center will contact you to discuss the next steps and assist in scheduling your full day of medical testing, all of which will be covered by the recipient's insurance.
Reach Out with Questions, Concerns, or to Opt Out
If you have any questions or challenges along the way, please feel free to reach out to your Donor Navigator for support. If you find that living donation is not the right path for you, we kindly ask that you let us know so we can update our records. Since the transplant team can only evaluate a limited number of donors, notifying us of your decision allows us to assist other potential donors and keep the process moving forward for the patient.
Your Confidentiality is Protected
Also, please know that the patient won’t be informed of your progress—you’ll be the one to decide if and when to share that you stepped forward. If you’d like a medical alibi for opting out, the Transplant Center can provide one to help protect your privacy and avoid any discomfort with the recipient.
Where Can I Explore Living Donation Further?
This community is a supportive space for current and prospective kidney donors to connect, share experiences, and ask honest questions about the journey. Here, you’ll meet others who truly understand what you’re going through and can offer insights, support, and encouragement. Whether you’re curious about what to expect, have personal questions, or just want to connect, this group is a safe place to find understanding and connection with people on the same path.
Discover the protections available to you as a living donor. Living donation is intended to be cost-neutral, and various programs and resources are available to ensure you’re fully supported throughout the process. Learn more about what’s available to help you avoid any out-of-pocket expenses.
Take a look at our Living Donor Timeline document to get a clear picture of the entire process from start to finish. Additionally, explore GiftWorks’ Living Donor Resource page, where you’ll find a variety of helpful topics to guide you as you move forward, including links to our podcast, Donor Diaries which discusses a wide range of topics related to living donation.
Conversations with Living Donors
Curious about living donation? Join one of our “Conversations with Living Donors” sessions on ZOOM. During these sessions, you will connect with living donors and others considering donation. This is your chance to hear firsthand experiences, including the triumphs, challenges, and unique perspectives of those on the same path. You’ll gain valuable insights, discover answers to questions you hadn’t considered, and explore your own thoughts, fears, and motivations in a supportive environment.
- Every Tuesday Morning at 9am MST JOIN HERE
- Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm MST JOIN HERE
Upcoming Wednesday sessions: 12/18/24, 1/15/25, 2/19/25, 3/19/25, 4/16/25, 5/21/25.
Offer Support by Becoming an Advocate
Whether you’re in the middle of the donor evaluation process, were ruled out as a donor, or decided donation wasn’t the right choice for you, you can still make a profound impact. By becoming an advocate for your intended recipient, you play a vital role in sharing their story and connecting them with potential donors.
Advocates help raise awareness, amplify the recipient’s voice, and significantly increase their chances of finding a living donor. Ready to learn more?
