What is 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.
Who can be a non-directed living organ donor?
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.
Why become a non-directed living organ donor?
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.
Non-directed living organ donation process
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
What are the risks of non-directed living organ donation?
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
Support and resources for non-directed living organ donors
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.
![Boy points two fingers](/sites/default/files/2024-06/raul-blog-teze.jpg)
Hear from the families impacted by non-directed living organ donations
Already a kidney donor, Larry wanted to donate again — this time, a piece of his liver to 4-year-old Raul.
Contact us
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.