[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/steps-to-finding-living-donor\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/steps-to-finding-living-donor\/","headline":"Your Living Donor Transplant: 3 Steps to Finding a Donor","name":"Your Living Donor Transplant: 3 Steps to Finding a Donor","description":"Finding a living donor for your transplant can seem difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Use these steps to simplify the process and find a living donor.","datePublished":"2017-11-14","dateModified":"2026-04-15","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","name":"Transplant Services","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/transplant-services\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/112017BLG_FINDINGLIVINGDONOR.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/112017BLG_FINDINGLIVINGDONOR.jpg","height":327,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/steps-to-finding-living-donor\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Transplant"],"wordCount":540,"keywords":["ldlt","living donation","living donor","living donor organ transplant","organ transplant"],"articleBody":"If you or someone you know is waiting for a kidney or liver transplant, you’re probably familiar with living donation.Transplants from a living donor are an alternative to the waiting list and can help you or your loved one receive a transplant sooner. Here are three steps to help you find a donor.Click Here to Learn More about Receiving a liver transplant. Contact UPMC.Fill out the form below or call 833-683-3555 for more information. Give the gift of life. Learn more about how you can become a living organ donor.\u00a0Determine Who Can HelpIt’s likely you already know the person who will become your living donor. It could be a close friend, family member, coworker, Facebook friend, or a former classmate. Start by making a list of prospective donors who fit the following eligibility requirements:Are in good physical and mental healthHave a BMI less than or equal to 32Do not engage in drug or substance abuseHave no history of pulmonary hypertension, HIV, liver disease (like cirrhosis or hepatitis), active cancers, or other significant diseasesLiver donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60, and kidney donors must be between the ages of 18 and 75.RELATED: Find Your Living Donor ChampionShare Your StoryOnce you develop a list of possible donors, it’s time to let them know you need help. As you tell your story, it’s important to remain positive and remember that asking someone to become a donor can be very emotional.Be ready to share the following information:Why: It’s important to let them know why you need a transplant and why living donation is your best option.What: You should be prepared to answer questions and provide background information regarding living donation.When: Include a sense of urgency. Let people know that the sooner a suitable donor can be found, the healthier you’ll be when you undergo the transplant.Make ConnectionsThere are multiple ways to connect with potential donors, and social media is one of the most effective tools. A Facebook page dedicated to helping you find a donor can reach hundreds of people. Learn more about how to find a donor via Facebook.It\u2019s important to constantly share your story because you never know who will able to help. Start by spreading the word through phone calls to family and close friends.For more information, please visit the Living Donor Champion Toolkit.Then talk with friends and acquaintances from group or social activities, including:School or workGym or fitness centerFamily gatheringsPlaces of worshipBook clubsPamphlets, business cards, television ads, and radio spots also can help you share your story. Once you have a volunteer, encourage them to register as a donor with UPMC. If they are an appropriate candidate, the UPMC Living Donor Transplant Program will contact them about next steps.The most important thing is to stay positive. Others that you encounter on this journey will guide and support you, share your story, and become your advocates in finding a donor. For more information, please visit the Living Donor Champion Toolkit.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 14, 2017, and was last reviewed on April 15, 2026."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Your Living Donor Transplant: 3 Steps to Finding a Donor","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/steps-to-finding-living-donor\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]