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Get insights on living kidney donor transplants, including the donation and transplant process, what to expect, and answers to common questions. Read powerful stories from recipients about finding a donor and how their transplant changed their lives.

Transplant Stories

Share Your Story Because You Never Know Who Will Be Moved To Donate on Your Behalf: Karen Kessler’s Kidney Transplant Story

April 24, 2026

I have a hereditary disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which is caused by a genetic mutation that tells my kidney cells to form cysts. Over time, the cysts grow in size and become more numerous until, instead of functioning kidneys that are the size of a fist, I have two giant football-sized kidneys that don’t work. I have known my entire adult life that I have PKD. I inherited…

If I Have PKD, Can My Family Members Donate a Kidney to Me?

April 17, 2026

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary condition in which fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually reducing kidney function over time. For many people with PKD, a kidney transplant becomes the most effective treatment once kidney function declines significantly. A common question for patients and their families is: Can a family member donate a kidney if I have PKD? Understanding Living Kidney Donation Living kidney donation is often the…

The National Kidney Registry Announces New Microsite Center: Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

April 1, 2026

The National Kidney Registry is pleased to welcome its newest microsite center: Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A total of 64 transplant centers nationwide now participate in the NKR’s Microsite Program. The Microsite Program provides free websites and coaching to transplant patients seeking a living donor to increase their chances of achieving a living donor transplant. To date, more than 1,319 microsite patients have received…

Virginia woman receives kidney from surprise Facebook donor 40 years after they met

April 21, 2026

There are few greater gifts someone can give another than themselves, but that is just what one woman did for a Virginia Navy friend that she hadn’t seen in four decades.