Welcome to Season 2 of Donor Diaries!
To kick of season 2, we are going to jump into some basics about kidney donation- some helpful Q&A for anyone out there who may identify as donor-curious. You’ll also get a peak onto Season 2, and hear about some of our upcoming guests!
Kelly Schmitt, Patty Graham and Emily Wise are not only living kidney donors themselves, but they work full time educating potential donors through a program called Donor Connect, a donor mentor program facilitated by the National Kidney Donation Organization.
This mentor program serves potential kidney donors from over 30 transplant centers affiliated with the National Kidney Registry.
Early data shows that a living kidney donor candidate is more likely to continue through the organ donation testing process if they talk to a living donor mentor.
This is important, this leads to more people donating kidneys which is what we all want.
Today’s guests talk to about 400 potential living kidney donors a month each! They are likely talking to more potential donors each month than anyone in the whole country, which is pretty amazing.
In this episode, we will cover the most common questions these donor mentors get asked about living kidney donation.
- What if I donate a kidney but then need a kidney later?
- What if I start the donation process, and then change my mind?
- What’s the process to be approved for donation, and how long does it take?
- How long will I need to take off work?
- Can you drink alcohol after you donate a kidney?
- Will I still be able to be active physically after I donate a kidney?
- What if I get tested, and find out I’m not a match for my intended recipient?
- Can non-directed donors meet their kidney recipient?
- What changes do I have to make to my diet post donation?
- What advice would you give me going into this, that you may have not known?
- Can I donate if not vaccinated?
- If my recipient is in another state, will I have to travel there to donate?
- How long do you stay in the hospital after you donate?
- Are there out of pocket expenses I have to worry about?
Show Links
National Kidney Donation Organization
Donor FAQ Panel: The Living Kidney Donor Experience
Patricia Graham "Go Save a Life" at Ignite Boulder 35
Kelly Schmitt on NPR “The Generosity Spectrum”
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