Myth of living kidney donation

It is the National Kidney Month, with over 90,000 Americans waiting for a kidney transplant. Experts say many misconceptions discourage potential donors.

It is a connection they consider providence. After 18 days apart, Megan and Regina have never lived their lives without others.

“We didn't know that 35 years ago. When both mothers got pregnant, this would be our story,” Megan said.

The story of friendship had to twist in 2022 when Regina became extremely ill and add her name to the kidney transplant list.

However, Mayo Clinic confirmed Megan as a match with her childhood best friend. In 2023, she gave the best gift anyone could give: a new opportunity in life.

“Many of our patients wait between 4 and 60 years, and even nine or ten years before they receive the gift of life,” says Dr. Shennen Mao, a transplant surgeon.

Mao says the need is far outweighing the supply of organs, and less than a third of those waiting will get their kidneys this year. Mao believes it is due to a common misconception that live kidney donors must be in perfect health. She says it's wrong. They should generally be healthy. However, donors can potentially control hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

Secondly, people over the age of 50 cannot become living donors. Mao says there is no age limit. Donors must be over 18 years of age.

Third, you need to be related to the match. Mao says Megan is living proof that is not true. Over a year after the transplant, both friends are on track.

“Look at her family as always. She's really family right now,” Megan said.