Living kidney donor needed · Updated 2026

You could
be a match.

I'm Brendon. I've been living with Polycystic Kidney Disease since 2007, and I'm searching for a living kidney donor. A 60-second questionnaire could tell you if you might be the one.

Read my story Could I be a match? →
90,000+ Americans waiting for a kidney
3,000 Die each year before a match is found
1 Donor can change my life
Brendon
Brendon

— My story

This is where
I am right now.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Last fall, I started doing dialysis at home while we search for a kidney donor.

Unfortunately, no one in my family can donate, so I'm reaching out to my friends and community for help. If you or someone you know might be willing to see if you're a match, please send me a message, and I'll share the link and contact info to get started.

This journey hasn't been easy, but I'm staying positive and focused on what's ahead. — Brendon

I'm so grateful for any support, shares, or anyone who would even consider donating. Your kindness could truly change my life. Please share this page to help spread the word and reach someone who might be my match. Every share helps more than you know.

Diagnosis Polycystic Kidney Disease (2007)
Currently Home dialysis
Listed at Hospitals in California & Arizona
Contact youcouldbeamatch@gmail.com

— Not all help requires a kidney

How you can help.

There are several meaningful ways to support my journey toward a kidney transplant — and not all of them involve becoming a donor. Every action, big or small, makes a real difference.

01

Learn about living donation

Many people don't realize you can live a long, full, healthy life with one kidney. Learning the basics helps reduce fear and misinformation — and opens the door for more people to consider becoming a donor.

Read the FAQ →
02

Share my story

Not everyone can donate, and that's okay. But every time you share my story, you increase the chances that the right person sees it. A single repost, text message, or conversation could reach the one match I need.

Share this page →
03

Contact me privately

If you're curious about donating or just want information, you can email me directly — no pressure, no commitment. I'm listed at multiple hospitals in California and Arizona, and we can discuss which may be best.

Email Brendon →
04

Consider living donation

If you feel called to explore it, the transplant team will walk you through medical testing, costs and coverage, recovery time, and your ability to opt out at any point. Your health and safety always come first.

Start the quiz →

— 60 seconds

Could you be a match?

This is a preliminary screening — not a medical evaluation. Only a transplant team can determine eligibility, but these questions mirror what they'll ask. Your answers are not stored anywhere.

01 Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
02 Are you in generally good physical and mental health?
03 Do you have any of: diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney disease, HIV, hepatitis B or C, or active cancer?
04 Is your BMI under 35? (If unsure, that's okay — choose "Not sure.")
05 Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
06 Are you free from current substance use disorders, and willing to abstain from tobacco for several weeks before and after surgery?
07 If you were a potential match, would you be willing to complete medical testing and (if approved) undergo surgery?

ⓘ Even if your blood type doesn't match Brendon's, you may still be able to help through a paired kidney exchange. Blood type is not part of this quiz for that reason.

— Frequently asked questions

What people want
to know first.

If you're even thinking about donating, you probably have questions. Here are the most common ones, answered honestly.

What does it mean to be a living kidney donor?

A living donor is someone who voluntarily donates one of their kidneys to a person in need. Most people are born with two, but only need one to live a long, healthy life.

How do I know if I'm a match?

You don't have to figure this out yourself. The transplant center handles all testing privately and confidentially. They check blood type, tissue compatibility, and overall health to make sure the donation is safe and medically possible.

What if I'm not a match? Can I still help?

Yes, absolutely. If your blood type or tissue isn't compatible, you can join a paired exchange or donation chain. Here's how it works:

  • You donate to someone else who is a match for you.
  • In return, someone in their circle who matches the patient donates to them.
  • This creates a chain that can involve multiple donors and save multiple lives.

Even if you can't donate directly to the person you're trying to help, you can still be the reason they get a kidney.

Is it safe to donate a kidney?

The transplant team will only approve donation if you're healthy enough and the risks are low. Your long-term well-being is the top priority. If there's any concern, they'll stop the process.

Will it cost me anything?

The recipient's insurance typically covers:

  • All medical testing
  • The donor surgery
  • Hospital care

There are also donor-assistance programs that may help with travel, lodging, and lost wages, depending on your situation and transplant center. Fundraising options will be available for me and the donor as the process progresses.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, at any time, without pressure, judgment, or explanation. If you decide not to move forward, the transplant team simply notifies the patient that "a match is unavailable." Your privacy is fully protected.

What's the recovery like?

Most donors return home within a few days and get back to normal activities in about 4–6 weeks. The medical team will guide you through pain management, wound care, and safe activity levels.

Will donating affect my lifespan or future health?

Approved donors typically live just as long as — and often healthier than — the general population. This is largely because donors are thoroughly screened before being approved.

If my remaining kidney ever fails, do I get priority?

Yes. Living kidney donors receive priority status on the transplant waiting list if they ever need a kidney later in life. It's a built-in protection: if you give a kidney, you won't be left behind if you ever need one.

Do I have to be related to donate?

No. Friends, coworkers, and even strangers can be donors. Medical compatibility is what matters most.

Can I talk to the transplant center privately before deciding anything?

Absolutely. Every conversation with the donor team is confidential. The recipient does not hear about your questions, testing, or decision unless you choose to share it.

Why does a living donor matter so much?

Living kidneys usually work better, last longer, and can help the recipient avoid years on dialysis. One donor can completely change — and even save — someone's life.

Still have questions? You can email me directly at youcouldbeamatch@gmail.com — no pressure, no commitment.