One Donor Many LivesWhat Can One Donor Do?Change Many Lives.
It's an act of profound generosity that starts a chain of hope. That's exactly what this one doctor did.
Anonymous Non-Directed kidney Donation (NDD) = a healthy person voluntarily donates a kidney to a stranger, without naming a recipient. It's legal, regulated altruistic donation with neither payment, nor coercion.
Likely the first NDD (anonymous non-directed kidney donor) in Karnataka—and hoping to be the first of many yet to come.
Dr. Thankam Subramonian
MD, DGO, DNB, MRCOG
Consultant – Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital, Airport Road, Bangalore
The reality in India
A large gap between need and supply. Awareness and voluntary donation can help close it.
200,000+
People need a kidney transplant each year in India
Source: NOTTO, medical literature
13,476
Kidney transplants performed in India in 2024
Source: NOTTO Annual Report
<3%
Of kidney failure patients receive a transplant
Source: NOTTO, WHO GODT
The need in the United States
Every day, thousands wait. One anonymous donor can change everything.
~90,000
People waiting for a kidney in the U.S.
Source: UNOS
~6,000
Living donor kidney transplants each year in the U.S.
Source: OPTN/HRSA
1
Non-directed donor can start a chain of 10+ transplants
Source: National Kidney Registry
The global picture
Organ shortage is a worldwide challenge. Living donation—including anonymous donation—helps close the gap.
111,135
Kidney transplants performed worldwide in 2023
Source: WHO GODT
~39%
Of kidney transplants from living donors globally
Source: WHO GODT
2M+
People on dialysis or transplant worldwide; many more need treatment
Source: National Kidney Foundation
Common myths. Honest answers.
We want to normalize this act of generosity. Here's what people often get wrong.
Myth
You have to know someone who needs a kidney.
Truth
Anonymous donors give to a stranger. You don't need a connection—just the desire to help.
Myth
Donating is risky and will shorten your life.
Truth
Living donors lead normal, healthy lives. The procedure is safe, and donors are carefully screened.
Myth
It's only for young, super-fit people.
Truth
Healthy adults of many ages can donate. Each donor is evaluated individually.