Logo for: Find A Kidney

Information for Patients

Learn more about living kidney donor transplants, including what to expect, information on the kidney donation and transplant processes, answers to common questions about living kidney donation, helpful tips and resources and more.


Does Blood Type Matter for Kidney Transplants?

Kari Rancourt, NKR Medical Board, Lead Kidney Paired Exchange Coordinator, Hartford Hospital

If you’re looking for a living kidney donor, you may be wondering what role blood type plays in kidney transplantation. Does your kidney donor have to have the same blood type as you? Can someone donate a kidney to you even if they are a different blood type? The truth is that while blood type …


Will I Need a Caregiver After My Kidney Transplant?

Teri Bennett, Donor Search Coach

If you’re preparing for a kidney transplant, you might be wondering about support in the days and weeks afterward. You will definitely need a caregiver after your kidney transplant, especially in the first few weeks. A caregiver can provide both practical and emotional support as you recover from major surgery. What Does a Caregiver Do …



How Soon After a Kidney Disease Diagnosis Will I Need a Kidney Transplant?

Meelie DebRoy, MD, FACS, Chief, Kidney Transplant, Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center

Finding out you have kidney disease can be overwhelming. One of the first questions many people ask is, “Will I need a kidney transplant—and if so, when?” The short answer is: not everyone with kidney disease will need a transplant right away, and some may never need one at all. The kidney disease timeline depends …



How to Put Together Your Donor Search Team

Teri Bennett, Donor Search Coach

Searching for a living kidney donor can be overwhelming—emotionally, physically, and logistically—which is why building a strong support team can make all the difference. With the right people by your side, you can focus on staying healthy and mentally resilient while others help carry the load. Here’s a breakdown of the roles that can help …



Exercising with Kidney Disease

Wilson Du, Dialysis Outreach Specialist

Exercise is a key part of staying healthy, but for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), staying active can offer even more critical benefits. Engaging in regular physical activity can help control blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight, which helps manage CKD and its associated conditions, like diabetes and hypertension.​ Being …