So What's With All The Feather Boas?

Kidneys from living donors have been used for over 50 years, but there is no long-term data on their health & well-being because no one bothered to track or study them. Every year 1-3 living donors dies in the U.S. Many more suffer nerve damage, hernias, pancreatitis, adrenal dysfunction, chylous ascites, testicular swelling, intestinal blockage & organ laceration. Others experience depression, anxiety, anger, grief & PTSD symptoms. yet not one transplant center offers aftercare, follow-up or support services. Reduced renal function increases the risk of hypertension, cardiac disease & death, & kidney disease & failure. Since 1993, 200 living kidney donors have registered on the waitlist in need of their own transplant. 26 million people in the US have chronic kidney disease. Many will need a transplant & 45% will come from living donors. It's time for living donors to get the respect & protection they deserve.