Important Facts

• Average Waiting List Time for a Deceased Donor Kidney is 3-7 years.
• A Kidney from a Living Donor offers patients an alternative to the potential of years
  on dialysis and long waiting times on a kidney transplant list waiting for a Deceased Donor Kidney.
• With a Living Kidney Donor, you may be able to receive a transplant in 1 year or less.
• Everyone on a Kidney Transplant List is required to be re-evaluated with updated tests every 12-18 months.  Any potential unforeseen medical issues can result in being removed from the Transplant List temporarily or permanently.
• A Deceased Kidney Donor Transplant does NOT last as long as a Living Donor Kidney Transplant. A Living Kidney Donor lasts 15-25 years on average whereas a Deceased Kidney Donor lasts 8-15 years on average.
• Approximately 17 people die per day while on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List (over 6000/year).
• According to the National Kidney Registry Website, only 20% of patients with a microsite received a Living Kidney Donor Transplant within 12 months.
• There are approximately 100,000 people in the USA on the kidney Transplant Waiting List with someone new being added every 10 minutes
• A Deceased Donor Kidney has the potential of not working right away and may require dialysis for days or weeks until the kidney “wakes up” and starts working.
• You need to be available 24 hours/7 days a week to come to the hospital for a Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant as compared to planning a mutually convenient time with a Living Donor Kidney Transplant
• A Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant has a higher potential for complications & rejection compared to a Living Donor Kidney Transplant
• A Living Kidney Donor Transplant begins working right away to produce urine and filter waste products
• Your Transplant Team DOES NOT take the initiative to find you a Living Donor….That is totally your own responsibility