How to Ask a Loved One to Donate a Kidney

Many people go though the extensive testing required to become a kidney transplant recipient, only to find out that they are placed on a long waiting list. One way to combat the feelings of hopelessness and anxiety of waiting for a transplant is to ask a loved one to donate one of his kidneys. Read on to learn how to ask a loved one to donate a kidney.

Instructions

• 1

  Sit down in person with your loved one. Try and be sure that this is someone who has extensive knowledge of your battle with kidney disease.

• 2

  Talk about the current state of your condition. Tell your loved one that at this point in your treatment, a kidney transplant is the best option. He may outright suggest that he begins the testing process to become your living kidney donor.

• 3

  Ask your loved one if she would like to donate one of her kidneys to you. Explain that there are several tests that need to be done before she can even be approved as a donor. These tests mean that she has time to consider becoming a donor.

• 4

  Explain that people are able to live healthy lives with only one kidney. Your loved one may have to change his diet to accommodate for the single kidney, but he can still live a normal life without complications.

• 5

  Share some success stories of living kidney donors. The National Kidney Foundation posts many stories about loved ones successfully donating kidneys. See the Resources section below for a link.

• 6

  Ask if your loved one will talk to other relatives about being donors. Explain that several family members might have to be tested before the proper match is found.

• 7

  Check the family medical records. These records should list the blood types of all of your relatives. If you know the blood types, you can narrow down your list of loved ones to ask.