General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My son just called me [View all]LuckyLib
(6,819 posts)has received both of them. The testing process is a long one to make sure he is an optimal match. It's actually a bit harder on the donor than the receiver, as the receiver is getting a whole new lease on kidney functioning immediately. The donor bounces back with some weeks recovery, but both donors I know did just fine.
If you want to read a wonderful story about the largest kidney donation chain across the US, check out the NY Times article below: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/health/lives-forever-linked-through-kidney-transplant-chain-124.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
A chain has to begin with a donor who has no need other than altruism, and it ends with a recipient who will be eternally grateful. In between are a host of people who do it because they can and it's a good thing to do. Sometimes people are just amazing -- like your son.