The Altruistic Donor Program

Incompatible Kidney Program

July 26, 2005

In September of 1999, a transplant coordinator from the Midwest named Joyce Roush became the first known person to donate a kidney to a stranger. She and the child who received her kidney underwent the successful procedure at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her gift inspired many others to follow in her footsteps prompting us to initiate the Altruistic Donor Program, which matches willing donors with our most needy recipients. Because kidney disease prevents children from growing properly they are given preference for these kidneys. John Temple, a United States Air Force retiree, read an article in the Indianapolis Star about Joyce Roush and was himself inspired to donate a kidney. A child unknown to him was given the gift of life as a result of his kindness.

"I knew little about the operation or kidney disease in general," says Temple. "[But] I knew people were dying every day [who] could be saved if additional kidney donors could be found. Becoming a living kidney donor is a serious decision, with some risks, but many rewards. I couldn't get past the idea that the slim chance that this surgery might affect my quality of life was more than offset by the knowledge that my kidney might mean all the difference to some child who would have no life at all if I backed away."

What can an anonymous donor expect?

Over the next 15 months Mr. Temple had two intensive days of screening in Baltimore, numerous blood tests-often with little notice, several potential candidates that didn't work out, and a great deal of patience. The process can be frustrating for anonymous donors because there is no emotional connection with a specific patient over the months of waiting.

Temple's wait ended when his kidney was transplanted on a Friday in early November 2000. He was able to leave the hospital Sunday afternoon, and within three weeks he was "almost 100 percent." With the new kidney, the recipient, a young boy named Ryan whom Temple later met, was able to discontinue dialysis and lead a normal life.

"Once I really understood all he [Ryan] faced, it put my poor sacrifice to shame. It also convinced me ...to become a more vocal advocate of anonymous organ donation," says Temple. "Despite the obstacles, I consider it one of the best decisions of my life."

What are the benefits of live kidney donation?

• Recipients receive a live donor kidney transplant and an enhanced quality of life.
• A live donor kidney lasts about twice as long as a cadaveric kidney on average.
• A willing donor is able to fulfill the wish to donate.
• The gap between patients waiting and kidneys available for transplantation is closed.
• A cadaveric kidney is made available for someone who has no live donor.
• The benefits double for paired kidney exchanges as two people receive live kidney donations.

Copyright © 2005 Johns Hopkins.

This article posted August 11, 2005.