Kidneys are one of the few organs that you can donate while you’re alive. And the vast majority of donors experience no complications and their remaining kidney functions just fine. Yet thousands of people die each year waiting for a donated kidney. Why?
# Stuff You Should Know: Kidney Donation
This episode dives into the critical world of kidney disease and transplantation in America, exploring why 37 million adults have some form of chronic kidney disease and 90,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant. Josh and Chuck break down how kidneys work, what causes them to fail, and the fascinating science behind kidney donations—both from deceased and living donors—including innovative "donor chain" programs that can help up to 70 people receive kidneys from a single generous donor. You'll learn why kidney donation is uniquely possible among organ donations, the surprisingly positive outcomes for living donors, and the powerful role altruism plays in saving lives through this system.
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