Reflections from Living Donors

April is National Donate Life Month, a campaign created by the nonprofit organization Donate Life America to teach the public about the benefits of and need for organ donation.

In recognition of this campaign, the living donor team at Massachusetts General Hospital collected reflections from a few of our previous donors about their experience and their advice for anyone who is interested to become a living donor.

The Donation Process

Many living donors commented on the length of the process, saying that while the screening process can be quite involved and take time, their living donor team made it simple and comforting every step of the way.

Read donors' responses

• “The tests and consults leading up to the actual surgery was long, but I know it was necessary and worth the feeling after surgery that I actually saved someone’s life. I saved someone’s life! I had to say that to myself a few times to let it sink in. That is the gift I received from donating and it changed my life forever.”
• “It would have to be how stress-free qualifying was thanks to good communication and overall introduction/orientation. The actual surgery and recovery were perfect, both of which were made that way by the care and compassion of the doctors and nurses at Mass General.”
• “I was so surprised at how easy it was to go through the process and how comfortable the staff made me feel before, during and after it.”
• “The screening process made me feel confident that I was being carefully considered. At no time was my health put at risk.”
• "I was surprised to learn the process is selective and requires testing to qualify. But it does make sense to ensure the best possible outcome."

The Experience Following Surgery

Others were surprised at how they felt, emotionally and physically, following surgery.

Read donors' responses

• "The thing that surprised me the most was how little the donation changed my day-to-day experience. Despite losing an organ, I feel the same. I’d never know it was missing.”
• “I was most surprised by how quickly I bounced back. I feel so lucky. I was walking around regularly within hours of being allowed to do so. I was doubly lucky because I got to walk around a couple times with my wonderful recipient!”
• “To be honest, I was surprised by how painful it was the first few days. I thought about donating my kidney for about two years and I went through all the scenarios in my head. But I never thought about it being painful. It was completely worth it. I would do it again if I could.”

The Emotional Reward

For many, the feeling of giving the gift of life was more rewarding and fulfilling than anticipated.

Read donors' responses

• “The tests and consults leading up to the actual surgery was long, but I know it was necessary and worth the feeling after surgery that I actually saved someone’s life. I saved someone’s life! I had to say that to myself a few times to let it sink in. That is the gift I received from donating and it changed my life forever.”
• “Becoming a donor changed how I felt about myself and, honestly, gave me more confidence in myself. I couldn't believe I had just helped save a life, and to see the difference in his everyday living is absolutely the most rewarding.”
• “I knew it was going to be rewarding but I had no idea how life-changing this experience would be for me. I tell anyone that is interested my story, if I can get one person to consider donating, I feel like that is another way I can pay it forward.”

The Community of Support

Some even found a supportive new community, thanks to their donation experience.

Read donors' responses

• “While donating a kidney is major surgery, the whole experience was one of the most amazing I have ever had. I have a newfound group of donor friends who feel like a new family to me.”
• “I’m glad the transplant team gave me contacts of prior donors so I could get a real perspective of what to expect. The support I’ve received through the donor forum created a special bond between us donors long after my donation and continues to make me feel part of this special group of angels.”

The Quality of Life Following Donation

Many want to express to those interested in donation that there is often no change in quality of life following donation.

Read donors' responses

• “You can still live a very healthy and active life even after donating. Lots of people ask if I have had to change anything in my life. And the only thing I say, is that I have to make sure I drink enough water.”
• “You only need one good kidney to live—there are no restrictions to life with one kidney. Most people are surprised when I tell them this.”
• "You can live a very full life with one kidney. I feel exactly the same post-donation and maybe even a bit better knowing that I saved a life!"

The Experience at Mass General

Others pass along the positive experience they had at the Mass General Transplant Center.

Read donors' responses

• “As I went through the evaluation to be a donor, I always knew that Mass General had my best interest as their primary focus. I am a stronger and healthier person now than I was before I began the donor process seven years ago.”
• “If you qualify, you can relax and put complete confidence in everyone at Mass General. They won’t take you if they can’t make it work for everyone involved. The risk to the donor is very low at Mass General.”

The Rewards of Donation

Across the board, living donors want to let others out there know that the rewards of donating last a lifetime.

Read donors' responses

• "The pain of surgery is temporary, but the knowledge that you made a powerful change for the better in another person’s life is something you can take with you for life. ‘Worth it’ is an understatement.”
• “I wish people understood that life after donation physically doesn’t change, how urgent it is and how many people are waiting for a donor.”
• “My donation was part of a kidney swap, and I know of at least three different people who were in the swap. It’s amazing to think that I helped save three peoples’ lives!”
• "It is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. Physically, I feel no different than I did before the surgery. It is such an exhilarating experience to know I gave someone the ultimate life-changing gift."
• "The process and donation itself was very spiritual and moving for me. My continued relationship with my recipient keeps the feeling of fulfillment alive and well on a continual basis!"

The Opportunity to Give the Gift of Life

One donor summarizes the experience in a way we could not have put better ourselves:

“It is truly rare chance to give in a way that nothing else comes close to matching. On my worst days at work, I just remember that a piece of me is happily thriving with a healthy friend. It immediately puts everything in perspective in a way that nothing else can. When you get to give like this, you receive an amazing gift in return!”

Thank you to living donors everywhere!