Medically reviewed by Dr. Meelie DebRoy, MD FACS 

As we gather with loved ones to share gratitude and generosity this season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on one of the most selfless gifts anyone can give: the gift of life through organ donation. 

While most people think of organ donation as something that happens after death, living organ donation allows healthy individuals to help someone in need right now. For patients waiting for a kidney or liver transplant, that generosity can mean years of added life. 

How Living Organ Donation Works 

Kidney and liver donations are the most common types of living organ donation. Because people can live a healthy, full life with just one kidney or part of their liver, living donors can save or dramatically improve another person’s life while continuing to thrive themselves. 

Before donation, donors undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to ensure safety and a correct match. Kidney donation involves removing one kidney through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Liver donation involves giving a portion of the liver, which then regenerates in both the donor and the recipient within a few months.  

Why Living Donation Matters 

Thousands of people in the United States are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Unfortunately, many wait months or even years for a suitable donor match—and for some, that wait is too long. 

Living donation helps bridge the gap between the number of people waiting and the number of organs available. It not only saves lives faster but also improves outcomes for recipients, since organs from living donors tend to function better and last longer than those from deceased donors. 

For recipients, living donation often means freedom from dialysis, fatigue and uncertainty. For donors, it’s an act of compassion that can create a lifelong bond with the person they’ve helped. 

Who Can Become a Living Donor? 

Living donors can be relatives, friends or even altruistic donors—people who choose to donate to a stranger in need. Donors must be healthy adults with no chronic medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery. The cost of the evaluation is covered by the recipient’s insurance. 

Each potential donor undergoes extensive testing and counseling to ensure the decision is made with full understanding and support. The evaluation process also protects donors’ health, ensuring they can live well after donation. 

Even if the donor and recipient are not matched, living donation can still occur through a program called paired donation, which allows pairs to “swap” kidneys (through a national network) and allows more patients to be safely transplanted. 

Honoring the Spirit of Giving 

Giving thanks during the holidays often reminds us how connected we are to one another. Living organ donation embodies that spirit in its purest form, transforming gratitude into action and hope into healing. 

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a living donor, or simply want to learn more, start the conversation this season. Sharing your intentions with family, learning about the process or registering as an organ donor can all make a lasting difference. 

To learn more about living organ donation or to speak with a transplant specialist, visit the WMCHealth Transplant Center page for more information.