Musings: Why I decided to donate my kidney to a stranger

Nearly three years ago, I made a decision that changed someone’s life and my own. I donated my kidney to a stranger, whom I now call a friend. It was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. Congress should pass the End Kidney Deaths Act.

This legislation is a game changer. It will save 100,000 lives and $37 billion over the next 10 years by offering refundable tax credits to Americans who donate a kidney to a stranger. The bill would provide an annual $10,000 tax credit for five years to living donors — an acknowledgment of their sacrifice and a much-needed way to help ease the financial burden that comes with donation.

Kidney disease kills more Americans each year than breast or prostate cancer. Right now, approximately 90,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney. Without action, half of them will die waiting.

We can change that. Living donation is safe, effective, and incredibly underutilized. Most people don’t realize they can donate a kidney and live a full, healthy life. I’m living proof. Since my surgery, I’ve returned to running, biking, swimming and have completed many local 5k runs, two sprint triathlons, and several stair climb events. I feel great, and I’ve given someone else a second chance at life.

There is a heartbreaking shortage of organs from deceased donors. Even under the best conditions, only a small percentage of people die in a way that allows for organ donation. Living donors are the only way the need can be met. Yet, the number of living donors has barely changed in decades. The End Kidney Deaths Act would reverse that trend and make a real difference, quickly.

Kidney donors live longer than the average American because only the healthiest people can donate. And most donors, like me, say they’d do it again. It’s an experience that stays with you forever, knowing you helped save someone’s life.

It was such a moving experience to meet my recipient, Vu Dang of the Bronx, three months after surgery. He had been on dialysis for years, unable to visit family in Vietnam, but is now living his best life. While he is incredibly grateful, I feel so grateful for helping change someone’s life.

We need more people to step up. And we need Congress to make it easier for them to do so. This is a chance to save lives, reduce suffering, and do what’s right.

— Mindy Davidson, Bethpage