This section answers common questions to help potential donors find the information they need quickly and easily.
Who can be a living kidney donor?
Most healthy adults, free from diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. can be considered as living kidney donors after thorough medical evaluation.
Read more: UCLA Living Kidney Donors
AMA What doctors want patients to know about becoming a living kidney donor”
What does the recovery process look like?
Recovery varies, but most donors return to normal daily activities within a few weeks. After donation, your remaining kidney increases in size and takes on the work of both kidneys.
Read more:
National Kidney Registry -Donation timeline
What are the costs associated with kidney donation?
All evaluation and surgery costs are paid by my insurance. I can cover travel and missed wages if needed.
Check out the AST CIrcle of Excellence site to see if your company is a member – members have Organ Donor Leave Policy as part of their employee incentives.
Can I choose who gets my kidney donation?
Yes, you can direct your donation to a specific person or choose to donate anonymously. To donate to me you’ll need my name Lara Day and birthdate 6/27/1968
There is no commitment and they won’t tell me you’ve applied.
How do I start the evaluation process?
You can begin by filling out a questionnaire with UCLA Kidney Donation program or call the UCLA Kidney Transplant Center at call 310-825-6836.
“The decision to donate a kidney is not just an act of generosity; it’s a lifesaving act that provides hope for someone in need.
Every year, thousands of people wait anxiously for a lifesaving transplant, their futures uncertain as they cling to the possibility of finding a match. But amid the statistics and the struggles, there are everyday heroes—people who step forward to share the gift of life, often with a stranger.”
from AMA: What doctors wish patients knew about becoming a living kidney donor Apr 2025