Kindness Within Ourselves

You have 2
Someone has 0 13 people will die today waiting

One decision of yours can save up to 8 lives. It costs you nothing: you're reimbursed up to $30,000 and your family stays protected

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103,223 on the kidney waiting list

Living donorDiana, 64

Real story · NKR

"Donating was the most powerful decision of my life"

The Numbers

Behind every number, someone waits. Real data, updated weekly

103,223

on the kidney waiting list

people die each day waiting

minutes: another person is added to the waiting list

120

days · typical wait with a living donor through NKR

2-10

years · typical wait with a post-mortem donor

Last updated: Last updated · Source: HRSA / OPTN / SRTR

Donor protection

Donor Shield — We've Got Your Back

Organ donation in 19 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean

Up to $30,000 reimbursement for lost wages, travel, and dependent care
Lifetime prioritization if you ever need a kidney (NKR KPD donors)
Remote kidney donation — give locally, kidney ships to recipient
Donor Care Network — top-tier care for living donors
Kidney for Life — DNA-matched for lower rejection risk

See if I qualify

Available at 102+ NKR member centers in 35 states + DC

See what happens

Watch what happens when someone decides to donate

A 10-kidney transplant chain in under 48 hours

One decision

One decision. Up to 8 lives

A single person can save up to 8 lives and restore health to more than 75. Eight families who get to breathe again

Heart

Lungs

Liver

Kidneys

Pancreas

Tissues

Corneas

Bone Marrow

Real stories

Real Stories

From people who gave a kidney. From people who received one. Every name here is real

Recipient

Feb 6, 2026 · Founder

Dimar Anez

"Every morning I wake up and this kidney still works, I think about the family who said yes"

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Donor

NKR · Chain 357

Kathy Hart

Her donation sparked a chain of 35 transplants — a Guinness world record

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Donor

Laguna Niguel, CA · 2014

Howard Broadman

Donated to a stranger to save a voucher for his grandson. Inspired an entire program

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Voucher Program — Give Now, Protect Later

Donate today. Give a voucher to a loved one who may need a kidney in the future

Learn more

Find a Center

Find the nearest NKR center. Donor Shield is available at 102 member centers across 35 states + DC.

View NKR centers

FAQ

What if my body can't handle living with one kidney?

It's the question everyone asks, and it's a fair one. 98% of donors go on to live full, normal lives. Your remaining kidney takes over for the other, and your body adapts — doctors won't approve you as a donor if your health would be at risk.

What if I need a kidney later?

We get it — looking out for yourself matters too. If you donated through the NKR and ever needed a kidney, Donor Shield gives you lifetime priority on the list. You care for someone today, and the system cares for you tomorrow.

Does it cost money?

It shouldn't. Donating shouldn't cost you your paycheck or your savings: Donor Shield reimburses up to $30,000 for lost wages, travel, and other expenses.

Learn more