What type of donor is compatible with Andrea?
To donate a kidney to Andrea, you must be in good health and have normal kidney function and anatomy. You will also need to have blood type A or O.

What is in it for a donor?
Our sincere love and gratitude for saving Andrea's life. It is against the law to give money or gifts in exchange for a kidney. We will, however, make sure that your expenses are covered and that our insurance will pay your medical expenses.

What are the medical procedures before surgery?
Potential donors must undergo a wide range of tests to determine their eligibility, including a full medical history; a battery of blood, urine, EKG, and tissue-typing tests; and psychological examinations. In addition, the renal anatomy of all donors is examined to ensure that they are suitable candidates for a laparoscopic nephrectomy, the minimally invasive procedure used by surgeons to remove the kidney.

What is a laparoscopic nephrectomy? What is it like?
Instead of requiring a single, large incision like an open nephrectomy does, a laparoscopic nephrectomy typically requires two very small incisions through which the surgeon inserts surgical instruments and a camera to view the operating field. Once the surgeon has freed up the kidney to be donated, he or she removes it from the patient through a slightly larger third incision about three inches in length. The removed kidney is placed in a bag and chilled on ice until it can be implanted in the recipient. Since this technique uses smaller incisions than an open nephrectomy, donors benefit greatly from reduced post-operative pain, speedier recovery times, and less scarring. The operation lasts 3 to 4 hours and requires general anesthesia.

How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
On average, kidney donors spend two days in the hospital and can return to their normal activities within three weeks.

How will this affect my health?
Once a donor has recuperated from the surgery, he or she can expect to lead a completely normal life. You will not need to take any special medications, follow any dietary restrictions, or limit your physical activities. Drinking water is recommended to everyone as a good habit to keep your kidney hydrated.

What's the first step?
If, after exploring this site and discussing it with your loved ones, you believe you could be a donor for Andrea, please contact us or Renewal at R787@renewal.com (718-431-9831). The program staff will provide you with more detailed information about becoming a living donor and schedule preliminary tests to confirm that you are a match. If you don't live close to New York City, they will help you make other testing arrangements. If you are a match and decide to donate your kidney to Andrea, we facilitate all the expenses paid for your accommodations and trip. Our insurance will pay for your medical expenses.

Where else can I get more information?
Learn more about living kidney donation from this clip done at the Columbia Presbyterian by Dr. Lloyd Ratner, who describes the process of a kidney transplant. He discusses the living donor's experience about 13 minutes into the video. You can fast-forward to the 13-minute-mark by using the scroll bar in the video player. Andrea is registered at Mt Sinai Hospital in NYC and at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania close to Philadelphia.

Again, if, after thinking about what you have read here and talking about it with your loved ones, you are interested in donating a kidney to Andrea, please contact us.