FAQs

Who pays for a kidney donation?

Generally, the cost of donating a kidney is completely covered by the recipient’s insurance. This would include the testing evaluations, operative, and post-operative care.

What is Shaina’s blood type?

Shaina is O+, but that does not mean you cannot still donate! Through the Paired Exchange Program, should a donor not match Shaina but still be a good candidate, the Transplant Clinic will locate another pairing that do not match. The donor for that pair would give to Shaina, and you would donate to their recipient. This way two people receive a life-saving gift!

What is the process like to donate?

Once you place your name on the list to donate, a coordinator will reach out to go over some initial questions to see if you are a potential candidate and answer any questions you may have. If there are no major concerns, the next step is testing, which can include echocardiograms, kidney ultrasound, blood work, and potentially mammograms and colonoscopies depending on your age. Once all the testing comes back good to go, then a date can be scheduled for surgery.

Is donating anonymous?

Yes! Donating can be 100% anonymous. It will be up to you, the donor, if you wish to let Shaina know it is you donating. Due to HIPAA, the clinic will not provide any of your information or testing results to Shaina. That will be entirely up to you if you wish to let her know you are the donor.

For more information, we recommend reaching out to the Starlz Transplant Clinic at UPMC.