Donor Stories
Live Kidney Donation
Ashutosh Gupta, September 22, 2025
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is associated with progressive and irreversible decline in kidney functions and finally leading to End Stage Renal Diseases (ESRD).
CKD is a very common problem affecting 1 in 7 (14.5%) of US adult population. It is more common after age 65, reaching up to 34% of the population. Diabetes and High blood pressure are predominant risk factors for CKD. ESRD is the 8th leading cause of death in United States.
According to American Kidney Fund data, as of 8/31/2025, about, 815,000 patients are living with ESRD. Of these, 555,000 patients are on dialysis and 260,000 have kidney transplants. Patients with kidney transplants have better quality of life and about 50% less mortality than patients on dialysis.
Overall, about one third of transplants come from living donors and rest come from deceased donors. At present, 90,000 patients are waiting for a kidney transplant with average waiting time of a 3-5 years after registering. 11 patients die every day without a transplant. More availability of live donors will reduce the waiting time for transplant.
I would like to address few common questions about live donation-
My example
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I donated a kidney at age of 71 years 10 months. Although, I was above the cut off limit of age 70, but fortunately, I was healthy enough to be evaluated for being a potential donor and was found to be eligible.
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Prior to donation, I had to change my dietary habits and give up all my favorite salty snacks and pickles for blood pressure control on only one medicine.
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I underwent a very extensive medical evaluation including a psychological evaluation.
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There is always a small risk for any surgical procedure. But I was ready for it.
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Above all, I had blessings from two Spiritual Swamis we have been close to
. (late) Swami Brahmarupanandaji from Vedanta Center, Washington DC and
. Swami Ishatmanandaji from Vedanta Center, Chicago.
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Finally, I could not have done this without unconditional support from my family.
My recommendation
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You have to have a mindset and willingness to donate.
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You should be willing to undergo lots of testing to determine your eligibility and safety.
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Once you decide to donate, it does not matter whether you are giving your kidney to a relative, a friend and to an unknown person. It will save someone’s life.
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Do not worry how the kidney will function in the recipient. You have done your job with good faith and intention.
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Finally, I quote- Lord Krishna’s message from Bhagavad Gita, 2:47
Karmany -evadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma -phala- hetur bhur, ma te sangostva akarmani
To work alone have you the right, and never to the fruits of work
Don’t be impelled by the fruits of work; at the same time do not be tempted to withdraw from work
