Could I, Would I, Donate a Kidney? A Living Donor’s Perspective

What if you knew that donating a kidney isn’t as extreme - or as impossible - as it sounds? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Liz Nelson for an honest, deeply personal conversation about her decision to do just that. Liz shares her experience as a living kidney donor, offering a transparent look at what the kidney donation process actually involves — physically, emotionally, and logistically. Rather than positioning the decision as heroic or extraordinary, she aims to demystify organ donation and help others better understand what’s possible. Together, they move beyond the initial question of “could I?” into the more personal reality of “would I?” — unpacking the motivations, misconceptions, and practical considerations that come with becoming a living organ donor. As conversations around organ donation and transplant waitlists continue to grow, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on generosity, agency, and informed choice. This isn’t about pressure or persuasion. It’s about expanding awareness — and inviting a more open, curious look at what it really means to give. Show Notes: You can learn about the National Kidney Registry’s innovative voucher program at NKR.org. Visit the National Kidney Donation Organization for more general information about living kidney donation. Check out Kidney.org for a great resource on kidney health. The documentary Liz mentioned is Confessions of a Good Samaritan, available on Netflix. Sue Heilbronner’s blog post about kidney donation is where Liz’s journey began. You can see Sue's own post about Liz's decision here. You can connect with Liz at www.essarynelson.com, or on LinkedIn.  Hear more Imperfectly Honest perspectives at www.imperfectlyhonest.com.