Pediatric Transplant Center | Non-directed Living Organ Donation

There are two types of living organ donation — living organ donation and non-directed living organ donation. A living organ donation is when you decide to generously donate a kidney or a part of your liver to someone you know directly who needs an organ donation.

A non-directed living organ donation is a type of organ donation that is performed when the donor and recipient do not know each other, but they have matched for a safe organ transplant. A non-directed donor is sometimes called an “altruistic donor” or a “Good Samaritan donor” because they are donating to someone who they have never met before and may never meet.

Many adults between the ages of 18 and 55 can be considered for a non-directed living donation of either a kidney or a piece of their liver. These adults must be healthy, with no liver or kidney disease and no major medical problems that inhibit them from donating safely.

In the last few years, the need for organ donations has become greater than ever before — especially for children who are still waiting for and are in need of that life-changing transplant match.

When a person becomes a non-directed living organ donor, they’re:

• Helping patients get off the national waitlist sooner, making the transplant waiting time shorter — meaning patients may be less likely to develop additional health problems that may arise while they wait for a transplant match.
• Increasing patient access to transplants. This proactive approach to donating life gives the donor and patient more control over their transplant — scheduling the transplant at the convenience of both donor and recipient, and not relying on the national waitlist.

Once a match is made to a child in need and the surgery is complete, donors can recover within a few weeks and can go back to their regular lives — knowing they’ve just given the gift of life to a child in need. Through this selfless act, the donor is helping an entire family have a second chance at health and wellness.

Before you make the decision to become a non-directed living organ donor, you should always speak to your primary care doctor about your specific health needs.

Once you’re cleared by your doctor, you should begin researching:

• Who you’d like to donate to (i.e. a child or an adult patient). Our Pediatric Transplant Center is happy to partner with you as you navigate your decision.
• What will happen when you donate (recovery time, medications needed, etc.)
• Support groups to connect with other non-directed living organ donors for shared experiences

For most non-directed living organ donors, a full recovery is expected after their procedure. However, with any surgery, there will always be risks. These risks can include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Organ failure
• Mental health issues (such as anxiety or depression)
• Infections

Becoming a non-directed living organ donor is a life-changing event that can impact you emotionally and physically. Having the right resources available to assist you along the way will make all the difference. A few resources available for your consideration include:

• Living Donation — United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
• The National Living Donor Assistance Center: This site offers living donors some financial assistance for uncovered expenses.

Finding a transplant center is the biggest step in your non-directed transplant journey. At the Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Transplant Center, we are ready to be your partner in this life-changing journey.

For more on becoming a non-directed living organ donor, please contact us at 877-894-7337 or email transplant@childrens.harvard.edu.