In 2024, 27,759 kidney transplants were performed in the United States.
Cross-Match Kidney Transplant 101
Two amazing donors, two recipients, one powerful swap: cross-matching made two transplants possible through paired donation and a shared commitment to saving lives.
Kidney Transplant Surgery 101
Transplant surgery is a major operation and comes with risks for complications just like any other. During the surgery, you will receive general anesthesia and possibly other forms of pain-blocking anesthetic as well. Your transplant surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen to insert the new kidney and connect it to your blood vessels and bladder. […]
Two Types of Kidney Donation
There are two main types of kidney donation.
Meet Our Transplant Doctor
Get to know Dr. Arika Hoffman, Transplant Surgery at UNMC
About Kidney Dialysis
Dialysis removes waste and fluid from the blood when kidneys fail. It can be done at home, in a center, or hospital using HD or PD methods.
One and Done
Reflecting on grace, faith, and the gift of kidney donation while celebrating Chad’s catheter removal and answered prayers.
Other Kidney Transplant Stories
Real stories from others living with kidney disease, dialysis, and transplants—voices of resilience, hope, and connection.
My Kidney Dialysis & Transplant – Fears
A raw, intimate glimpse into the fears that haunted my transplant journey—rejection, exhaustion, and the ache of waiting for hope to arrive.
Kidneys 101
Kidneys power life by filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating pressure, building blood cells, and strengthening bones with unseen persistence.
Why become a living donor?
Learn more about becoming an organ donor and what is involved in the process.
Living Kidney Donor – FAQ
All donors get a very thorough medical evaluation to make sure it is safe to donate. The longer a patient is on dialysis, the higher the rate of medical problems.
Timeline Of Events
Diagnosed in 2023, I began dialysis, pursued transplant options, and received a new kidney in Oct 2025—now healing, hopeful, & off dialysis.
Physical Status Update (S+8 Day)
Halloween brings walks with kids, better sleep, upright strides, healing incisions with glue, and steady recovery progress.
Adding Man-Card Points (S+7 Day)
Shopping with dad, earning steps and man-points, celebrating Kalum turning 13, and joking about teenage strength versus recovery.
Anniversary Present- Honey, I’m Home! (S+6 Day)
Celebrating 21 years with flowers, Scattergories victory, family joy, and deep rest after a long day.
Yeah, Overdid It (S+5 Day)
Graduated to sleeping in bed, walking 1.5 miles with parents, feeling rested, and enjoying family visits during recovery.
Quickening the Pace (S+4 Day)
Pain easing as walking goals grow, time off brings space for healing, journaling, worship, and waiting on Chad's release.
Prayers from Europe! (S+3 Day)
Walking stronger with longer strides, restful sleep, prayers from afar, and gratitude for healing progress.
No More Heavy Meds (S+2 Day)
First shower after surgery, pain easing, family and friends bringing joy, faith guiding healing, and humor in recovery’s small steps.