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Considering living kidney donation

Choosing to become a living kidney donor is a deeply personal and generous decision. Living donors make it possible for patients with kidney disease to experience freedom from dialysis and begin a new chapter of life. This gift can only be given once, and it has the power to transform another person’s future.

Patients who receive a kidney from a living donor often have shorter waiting times and better long-term outcomes. For donors, the act of giving can be life-changing as well, bringing the reward of knowing you have helped someone live a longer and healthier life.

You may be considering a donation for a loved one, friend or even someone you don't know. Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer your questions with honesty and care.

Sentara's Transplant Center has been performing kidney transplants since 1972. In most cases, we use laparoscopic techniques, which are minimally invasive and help you recover faster. Your kidney donation will be done by one of our highly trained surgeons. Our medical team will closely oversee your treatment before, during and as you recover from kidney donor surgery.

The Sentara Transplant Center is fully equipped to work with you as a potential donor. We conduct thorough testing to ensure you are healthy enough to donate a kidney and that you are a suitable genetic match for the intended recipient. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons oversee your entire donor process, from your initial screenings through surgery and recovery.

You will never go through this process alone. Sentara’s transplant team provides:

  • Education and counseling to help you make the best decision for you
  • Thorough medical evaluation to ensure donation is safe for your health
  • Personalized guidance from a dedicated living donor coordinator
  • Compassionate support before, during and after donation

You may be considering a donation for a loved one, a friend, or even someone you don't know. Regardless of your connection, we are here to provide the information, guidance, and support you need as you explore whether living kidney donation is the right choice for you.

To learn more or begin the process:

What is non-directed living kidney donation?

Nondirected living donors are people who donate organs, usually kidneys, to people they don't know. The organs are given anonymously as gifts without expectation of something in return. Nondirected donors also are called good Samaritan or altruistic donors.

An individual who wishes to donate one of their kidneys to anyone on Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's kidney transplant waiting list will be considered a non-directed or anonymous living kidney donor. This individual will undergo the same process that all living donors undergo. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's Transplant Center will cover all costs of the workup.

In addition, non-directed kidney donors will be subjected to mandatory waiting periods, a formal psychosocial evaluation by a psychologist, and be required to sign a statement in which they agree not to pursue the identity of the recipient. 

There is a one-year waiting period after a successful donation before the kidney donor and recipient can meet. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's Transplant Center staff will facilitate this, and all three parties must agree to this meeting.

To learn more or begin the process:

Interested in becoming a living kidney donor?

Talk to our living kidney donor coordinator. Fill out the living kidney donor interest form or call us at 757-388-3906.

Living kidney donor interest form