Because both amazing kidney donors were willing to do the cross-match, both recipients were able to receive their kidneys sooner than waiting for a ‘perfect blood type and gene’ match. Here’s how it worked out:
- Recipient #1: Me
Donor #1 TBA - Recipient #2: TBA
Donor #2: My donor friend
Even though Donor #2 could have donated to me (he’s a universal blood type match), he also matched with Recipient #2 who also has the universal blood type. This pairing allowed both recipients to receive kidneys, since Donor #1 and Recipient #2 weren’t compatible.
- Donor #1 and I matched on blood type and 5 out of 8 key genetic and antibody markers. But Donor #2 and I only matched on 4 out of the 8 key genetic and antibody markers.
- Donor #2 and Recipient #2 matched on blood type — we are awaiting results for how many genetic matches they had.
This kind of paired (cross-match) donation expands transplant possibilities by connecting willing living donors with recipients they may not know. All driven by the mindset: “If I donate to someone else, my friend (or family member) gets a kidney. I’m in.”
Sort of like this – showing how willing donors can make kidney transplants happen more often:
