Most organ donations happen after death — but thousands of lives are saved each year by living donors, healthy individuals who choose to give a kidney or part of their liver to someone in need.
Living donation offers an immediate, personal way to save a life and shorten wait times for patients who might otherwise never receive a transplant.
The majority of people on the national transplant waiting list need a kidney, followed by those waiting for a liver transplant. For these individuals, a living donor can mean the difference between years of waiting and a second chance at life.
Although Lifebanc does not directly facilitate living donation, we partner closely with University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic, both of which operate nationally recognized living donor programs.
What You Can Donate as a Living Donor
- Kidney: A healthy person can live a full, active life with one kidney.
- Liver (partial lobe): The liver regenerates to full size after partial donation.
- Bone marrow and stem cells: Donors can give through national registry programs.
How It Works
- Screening: Medical and social history review ensures donor eligibility.
- Evaluation: Full medical and psychological testing to protect donor safety.
- Matching: Donors are paired with their intended recipient or matched through exchange programs.
- Surgery & Recovery: Transplant teams perform the procedure; most kidney donors return to normal activities within weeks.
- Follow-Up:Donors receive ongoing monitoring and support.
Donor medical costs are typically covered by the recipient’s insurance. Financial help may also be available through the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC).
In 2024, more than 7,000 people in the U.S. received a lifesaving organ from a living donor.
Protections & Support
The National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) may cover travel and lost wages.
Many workplaces provide paid leave for organ donation.
Donation is always voluntary — donors may withdraw at any stage.
If You’re Not a Direct Match
There are several ways to still help:
Paired Donation: Two or more donor-recipient pairs swap donors to create compatible matches.
Voucher Programs: Through the National Kidney Registry, donors can give now and create a “voucher” for a loved one to receive a kidney later.
Altruistic Donation: Some donors give anonymously, often starting a chain of transplants that saves multiple lives.
Resources for Living Donors
Lifebanc connects prospective donors with trusted information and expert support:
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University Hospitals
Living Donor Program (kidney and liver)
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Cleveland Clinic
Living Donor Program (kidney and liver)
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National Kidney Foundation
The Big Ask, The Big Give — Education and community programs
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National Kidney Donation Organization
Peer mentors for prospective living donors
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National Kidney Registry
Paired exchange and voucher programs
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National Living Donor Assistance Center
Financial assistance
Aftercare & Gratitude
Living donors often describe their experience as life-changing — for themselves as much as for the recipient. Many stay involved by mentoring others or sharing their stories to inspire future donors.