How Living Kidney Donation Works
We recently learned new information about the living kidney donor process that we wish had been explained sooner — and we want to make sure anyone interested in helping Rolf has clear, accurate guidance.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wouldn’t qualify anyway,” this page is for you.
You can be tested at ANY transplant center in the Us
A willing donor does not need to complete testing through one specific transplant center.
You can begin the donor evaluation process at any transplant center in the United States.
When asked, simply mention Rolf’s name so your results can be connected appropriately.
Each transplant center has its own eligibility criteria — which means options matter.
Start with the National Kidney Registry
For anyone in the U.S. — especially those outside of Colorado — the National Kidney Registry (NKR) is the best place to begin.
The NKR allows potential donors to:
Begin the screening process
Find a transplant center close to home
Continue testing even if one center determines they are not eligible
Testing is confidential and does not obligate you to donate.
If one center says no — you can still continue
If a transplant center determines that you are not eligible, that does NOT mean you are unable to donate.
Each center has different medical criteria.
Many potential donors are encouraged to continue testing at another center — and often successfully move forward.
This information is not always explained clearly, but it’s important to know:
One “no” does not mean the end of the road.
Colorado Transplant Centers
In addition to UCHealth Anschutz, potential donors in Colorado may also contact:
AdventHealth Transplant Institute at Porter
📞 303-778-5797
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
📞 720-754-2155 (Option #3)
You may reach out to any of these centers to begin or continue donor testing.
If you’re considering living kidney donation (or simply want to learn more) we’re grateful you’re here.
You can help people like Rolf, who has polycystic kidney disease, by learning about living donation and sharing this information with others.