Living donation saves lives. Learn how to help.

Donating a kidney is a life-changing act for both the donor and the recipient. It involves major surgery and is a decision that should not be made lightly, but most people who choose donation say it is the best thing they’ve ever done.

Why Become a Living Donor?

Change Someone's Life
Donating a kidney could give someone a chance for a longer, healthier life, while letting you live yours to the fullest.
Family Voucher
The Family Voucher Program lets you donate to a stranger and provide a voucher for up to five family members in case they ever need a kidney transplant.
Free Medical Screenings
You’ll receive a comprehensive health evaluation at no cost. While this is to ensure donation is safe for you, it can also uncover health conditions you weren’t aware of.
Donor Support & Protection
Donor Shield offers lost wage reimbursement, donor expense reimbursement, complication coverage, and other protections.
Low-Risk Procedure
Kidney donation is generally a very low-risk procedure, with few complications and a mortality rate significantly lower than other common types of surgery.
Improved Quality of Life
Many donors report better physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being after donating, including a renewed sense of purpose and a deep sense of fulfillment.

While I was learning about the donation process, my friend sent me a link to the NKR. I learned about the NKR Voucher Program, that I didn’t need to be a match, that there were virtually no age limitations for donation, and that living with one kidney created no meaningful restrictions. One week after my kidney donation, I was driving and even attended a birthday party. Each day, I’ve regained more energy. I’ve already been out on my bike four times and rode in the MS150 (150 miles), 7 ½ weeks post-surgery.

— Steve Eckhouse, donated a kidney in April 2025

I am forever grateful to the National Kidney Registry’s Donor Shield Program in allowing me to complete a non-directed living kidney donation. Without this wonderful program, I would have not been able to complete this personal act of kindness for someone in need of a kidney. The program provided financial support and assurance through every step of the entire organ donation process from lost wages coverage to travel and lodging associated expenses. I am honored to have been a participant of this program in its efforts of removing barriers for those interested in living donations. My act of kindness simply could have not been possible without this amazing organization!

— Ryan Singh, donated a kidney in January 2025

My wife’s family has a history of PKD, she has it and one of my three kids have it (so far). The Voucher Program allowed me to help someone with a kidney now, while I’m young and healthy enough to donate, but also give me the peace of mind that if one of my family members ever need a kidney, that they will be at the top of the list.

— Keith Robinson, donated a kidney in August 2024

Even though I originally hoped to be a direct match for my neighbor, in the end, thanks to the NKR, I was able to save two lives, both my direct recipient, as well as my neighbor, whose team used his voucher to find another living organ and had his transplant 1 month later. Both of these individuals got a better matched organ as a result, which means lower doses of anti rejection drugs for both of them for life! I tell people all of the time how wonderful the NKR is because it opens so many doors for a patient who is in need of a kidney… they just need to find someone who is willing to be a donor, and the NKR will open doors all across the country to find the best possible match for them.

— Kelly Haefs, donated a kidney in March 2024

One misperception that I had about donation prior to learning about the Donor Shield program was that you had to be in a good place financially to take time out of work. Donor Shield took away any financial burdens.

— Tara McNeil, donated a kidney in January 2024

Being a living kidney donor was the greatest experience of my life. I feel so rewarded by having the opportunity to give my son a new chance at life. My donation was November 27, 2023 and I am living my best life since the donation.

— Marie Palazzo, donated a kidney in November 2023

Donating a kidney through the NKR was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The support I received throughout the process was incredible, particularly the resources provided through Donor Shield. From the initial consultation to the follow-up care, the NKR and their member center made the entire process feel effortless. Their commitment to donors and their families truly sets them apart.

— Deserra Lewis, donated a kidney in October 2023

I wasn’t a match for Crystal, so when I finally got approved to donate, I decided to donate a kidney on her behalf through the Voucher Program. It’s so great because with the Voucher Program, you are in control of when you have your surgery, which I think is a beautiful thing. I could choose when to do it and have time to tell my employer.

— Jasmine Dupin, donated a kidney in September 2023

The National Kidney Registry made the donation process feel seamless and supported from start to finish. One of the biggest benefits for me was the ease of testing before surgery, at-home blood draws, clear instructions, and a simple timeline made it incredibly manageable. Through Donor Shield, I didn’t have to stress about logistics like travel or lodging for my caretaker. Knowing that NKR had my back every step of the way, especially with prompt reimbursement and follow-up, allowed me to focus fully on recovery. It truly made a difference.

— DJ Hardwick, donated a kidney in March 2023

The NKR Voucher Program was a great option for our family. Donating first and having my wife transplanted second gave me time to recover and then help take care of her following her surgery.

— Chuck Miller, donated a kidney in November 2022

What the NKR does with the Voucher Program is amazing. It gives people the opportunity to save two people—your intended recipient and the person who will get your kidney. It’s a real blessing.

— Sophia Jackson, donated a kidney in October 2022

Becoming a living kidney donor changed my life and gave me the incredible gift of saving others. Thanks to essential financial support covering lost wages, travel, and recovery, donors are truly cared for every step of the way. But the true solution to closing the healthcare divide lies in educating and empowering every community about the safety and impact of living donation. When we come together to spread this knowledge, living donation becomes the greatest hope to end the kidney transplant crisis. I urge everyone to.

— Lindsay Gutierrez, donated a kidney in May 2022

The NKR made the logistics of donation really straightforward. Every step of the process was explained thoroughly. There was minimal disruption to my life, and they answered every possible question, including resources and follow up. I was able to use FMLA from my work place, felt so confident and cared for in the post surgery follow up, and returned to work within two weeks feeling healthy. I couldn’t have been in more professional or supportive hands than with the NKR.

— Iris Bartov, donated a kidney in February 2022