Considering altruistic donation is a major life decision. It is an admirable choice, but one that cannot be made lightly. Any organ donation center you contact will want to know the following information about your health and your reasons for donating. Please print out this page and consider these questions carefully before beginning the process.

Medical/ Personal history:

• How old are you?
  
• Are you healthy and physically fit?
  
• Do you have a history of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure?
  
• Do you take medications?
  
• Have you undergone any previous operations?
  
• Is there a history of kidney disease in your family?
  
• Do you receive disability benefits for any reason? (This does not rule you out as a donor) Do you live alone; are you married?
  
• Where do you live? (This may affect costs and convenience associated with donation.)

Knowledge About Non-directed Donation:

• How did you learn or hear about organ donation?
  
• Do you understand that donating a kidney is not like donating blood?
  
• Are you aware that the risks of donating a kidney include the possibility of dying?
  
• Do you understand that there are risks to the recipient (i.e. that the kidney may be rejected?)?
  
• Do you understand that you cannot be paid money for being a donor?
  
• Are you aware that several months may be necessary to determine your suitability as a donor by required clinical and psychological testing?
  
• Do you understand that you will not select your recipient and that he or she will be from the list of those who are already waiting?

Donor Related Questions :

• Why do you wish to donate a kidney?
  
• Have you told a member of your family that you wish to be a kidney donor?
  
• Have you and your family considered the burdens associated with donation that could include out of pocket expenses for travel, doctor appointments, and time out of work?
  
• Is there a specific time frame to have your donor surgery performed?
  
• Would somebody be available to assist you at home during your recovery from surgery?

To reach the National Kidney Foundation of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
New Hampshire and Vermont, please call:
800-542-4001

To visit the National Kidney Foundation web site:
www.kidney.org