May 19h

[laurenduvall]

I'm donating soon... what should I do to prepare?

They asked if I want to write a letter to my recipient... it would be awesome to know them some day, but I don't want to weird them out... what should I say? take care of my organ?

[DSKdonor NKF Ambassador]

Hello Lauren! I'm "guessing" you are an altruistic donor which is absolutely AMAZING! I am a donor as well, however, my Dad received my kidney.

There is nothing wrong with writing a letter to your recipient at all, in fact, I think it's a GREAT idea for so many reasons...it opens the door for communication with your recipient - and that could happen at any time, and it also will help you along your way; like you've done everything you possibly could to DO GOOD in this world! Don't be upset if you don't hear back... it's not uncommon (I don't know how that's possible, but it is!)

Most importantly, I realized that in giving a kidney to my Dad, I could NOT put restrictions on it - like - "take good care of the kidney"... can't put strings on a gift. However, I can tell you, that's exactly what happened - without my saying anything. The gift of life is not taken lightly - the recipient would not be approved to be on the list if that were the perception of the social worker taking their case!!

Best of luck to you!

[Worrylady]

I thought that no one will ever donate, I’m sorry but waiting is very hard and being sick all the time makes you loose hope. But thank you for the kindness of your heart someone is given a second chance of normal life. Our Lord will protect you everyday.