Myths of living kidney donation

It’s National Kidney Month, and more than 90,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney transplant. Experts say many misconceptions discourage potential donors.

It’s a connection they consider to be providential. Born 18 days apart, Megan and Regina have never lived life without the other.

“We didn’t know it 35 years ago and when both of our mothers were pregnant that this would be our story,” Megan said.

The tale of friendship took a twist in 2022 when Regina got so sick, her name had to be added to the kidney transplant list, one of around 90,000 people left hoping.

But the Mayo Clinic confirmed Megan as a match to her childhood best friend. In 2023, she gave the best gift anyone could give: A new chance at life.

“Many of our patients wait four to 60, even nine or 10 years before they receive that gift of life,” transplant surgeon Doctor Shennen Mao says.

Mao says the need significantly outweighs the organ supply and less than one third of people waiting will get a kidney this year. Mao believes it’s due to common misconceptions like living kidney donors have to have perfect health. She says that’s false; they need to be generally healthy. But donors can potentially have controlled high-blood pressure or Type 2 Diabetes.

Second, those over 50 can’t be a living donor. Mao says there’s no age limit. Donors just have to be 18 or older.

Third, you have to be related to be a match. Mao says Megan is living proof that’s not true. More than a year after the transplant, both friends are doing well.

“Like always, consider her family and now, she’s truly is family,” Megan said.