Every day, thousands of people around the world wait for the call that could change their lives with a kidney transplant.

But have you ever wondered why kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organs?

The answer lies in how important they are and how common kidney disease has become.

What is the role of kidneys in the body?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine. Although they are small, they perform several vital functions every day.

They filter waste and excess water from the blood, help control blood pressure, maintain the body’s fluid balance, and produce hormones that keep your bones healthy and help make red blood cells.

When the kidneys stop working, harmful waste builds up in the body, making a person seriously ill.

Why are so many people waiting for a Kidney?

Kidney disease is one of the fastest-growing health problems worldwide. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic disorders, and kidney infections can gradually damage the kidneys.

For many people with kidney failure – dialysis can help remove waste from the blood. However, dialysis is not a cure. It often requires several hospital visits each week and can affect a person’s quality of life.

A kidney transplant offers many patients the opportunity to live a healthier, longer and more independent life.

Why are Kidneys the most transplanted organ?

Unlike most other organs, a healthy person can donate one kidney and continue to live a normal, healthy life with the other.

This means kidneys can be donated by:

Living donors, such as a parent, sibling, spouse, relative, or, in certain circumstances, an unrelated donor approved under the law.
Deceased donors, after brain death and with the family’s consent.

Because kidneys can come from both living and deceased donors, they are transplanted more often than any other organ.

One Donation – New Beginning

A kidney transplant can free someone from years of dialysis and give them the chance to return to work, spend time with family, travel, and enjoy everyday life again.

Behind every successful transplant is a generous donor and a family who chose hope over despair.