The first step is a short Living Donor Questionnaire. This helps the transplant team understand your general health, blood type, and medical history. You can start this step online at your own convience.
If your initial screening looks good, you’ll have blood tests to see if your kidney would be a good match for Marcus. Even if you aren’t a match, you may still be able to donate through a paired exchange program.
Next, donors go through a detailed health check-up to ensure it is safe for them to donate. This step makes sure the donation is safe for you in the long run. This may include:
Blood and urine tests
Imaging scans (like CT or MRI) to look at kidney anatomy
A physical exam
Meeting with doctors, a social worker, and sometimes a psychologist
The evaluation usually takes a few appointments over several weeks. Some of the testing can be done locally, depending on where you live, while other testing may need to be done at the University of Chicago. Surgery scheduling is flexible and planned around your availability.
The University of Chicago, where Marcus is listed, developed a specialized minimally invasive procedure called Single Port Donor Nephrectomy. With this technique, surgeons remove the kidney through a small incision hidden inside the belly button.
This approach offers important benefits:
No visible scar
Less pain after surgery
Faster recovery compared to traditional methods
Most donors stay in the hospital for just 1 to 3 days for monitoring before returning home to continue recovery. Donors are carefully monitored and supported at every step to ensure their safety and long-term health.
Recovery times vary, but most donors:
Return to normal daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks
Return to work (depending on type of job) within 2 to 4 weeks
Can expect a full, healthy life with one kidney
The transplant team provides follow-up care and long-term check-ins to support your health.
The recipient’s insurance covers the cost of medical testing, surgery, and follow-up care. Some programs also reimburse travel, lodging, or lost wages for donors.