Living Kidney Donation
Your generosity could save someone’s life. Living kidney donation can greatly improve recipients' outcomes, including significantly shorter wait times and longer-lasting kidneys.
Why Choose Sutter?
Thousands of people in our community face a five- to nine-year wait for a transplant. By becoming a living donor, you could provide a faster, healthier path forward to someone in need. Living-donor kidneys often work immediately and last an average of 15 to 20 years.
We know exploring being a match is a big step. That’s why we guide you through the entire process, from a free evaluation to your long-term recovery. We schedule surgeries around your life, and our team is focused entirely on your well-being.
Since 1969, the transplant team at Sutter's CPMC has performed more than 10,000 organ transplants. Today, we’re at the forefront of innovation, pioneering multi-kidney swaps and leading the way in minimally invasive, robotic transplant surgery for a faster, easier recovery. When you select us, you choose a center with outcomes that consistently meet or exceed national standards. We’re proud to be named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized Care in 2025 and recognized by Healthgrades for our exceptional patient experience.
What to Know
- Applying is not a commitment — it’s a conversation
- You can choose to stop at any point
Support Along the Way
- A dedicated team by your side
- Clear information to help guide your decision
- Complete privacy from start to finish
- An independent advocate just for you
Your Health After Donation
- You can live a long, healthy life with one kidney
- Most donors return to normal activities 4 to 6 weeks after surgery
- Many people are back to work in 4 to 6 weeks
Getting Started
Take the first step — start your confidential donor questionnaire. There's no commitment to donate.
Proven Transplant Outcomes
When you donate, you want to know your gift will truly make an impact. We consistently rank among the nation’s top programs for kidney transplant success, with our outcomes publicly reported through the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) and United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS).