Things people believe about kidney donation, and the truth.

"I will be weaker or less healthy with one kidney."

Your remaining kidney adapts and compensates fully. A Johns Hopkins study of more than 90,000 donors found no change in life expectancy. In fact, donors who pass the evaluation tend to outlive their non-donor peers, because the evaluation screens for good health to begin with.

"I might need my second kidney someday. I should hold onto it."

Donor protection programs exist for exactly this reason. Through the National Kidney Registry, you can name family members who would immediately move to the top of the national transplant waitlist if they ever need a kidney. You can even name future family members, such as children you have not had yet.

"This will cost me money. Surgery, time off work, travel."

Donors pay $0. Surgery, testing, follow-up care, transportation, and lost wages are all covered through donor assistance programs. There are no out-of-pocket costs for a living donor.

"I am not a blood type match, so I cannot help."

Paired kidney exchange programs mean even a mismatched donor can still help Matt receive a kidney. You donate to someone who matches you, and someone who matches Matt donates to him. One donor can start a chain involving many recipients.

"Once I say yes, I am committed. I cannot change my mind."

You can withdraw at any stage, for any reason, including the morning of surgery. The process is specifically designed so that donors never feel locked in. And because everything is kept separate from Matt's care team, you can back out at any point without Matt ever knowing you were involved. There is no awkward conversation, no damaged relationship, and no explanation required.

"Matt will find out if I fill out the form, go to appointments, or even donate."

The process is completely blind at every stage. Matt will not know you filled out the questionnaire. He will not know if you go through pre-screening or attend appointments. He will not even know if you donate, unless you personally choose to tell him. You are in full control of what he knows from start to finish.

"You have to be young and perfectly healthy to qualify."

Eligibility is broader than most people assume. Age and minor health conditions do not automatically disqualify you. The questionnaire is specifically designed to help you find out. Let the doctors make that call, not your assumptions.

"I cannot afford to take time off work. Recovery would cost me too much."

Lost wages during recovery are covered through the National Kidney Registry's Donor Shield program. You will not lose pay for a single day of missed work. Surgery, testing, travel, lodging, and follow-up care are also fully covered. The total out-of-pocket cost to a living donor is $0.

"Recovery takes months. I cannot take that kind of time off."

Most donors go home within one to two days. The majority return to a desk job within two weeks. Full physical activity resumes in about six weeks. The surgery is performed laparoscopically with small incisions, a technique refined over decades at major transplant centers.