German Kidney Exchange: Crossing Oceans to Give the Gift of Life | EP 27

Send us Fan MailWhat would compel an American living in Germany to navigate a labyrinth of legal and cultural barriers to donate a kidney to a stranger? Join us as we uncover the incredible story of Will Johnson, whose altruistic journey sheds light on the stark contrasts between organ donation practices in the US and Germany. In this episode, recorded in a charming house near Munich, we reveal Germany's current regulations surrounding kidney exchange and the low rates of living donations that Will encountered in his quest to give the gift of life.Embark on a transatlantic journey with us as we explore the emotional and logistical hurdles Will faced, from initial inspiration to the surprising medical discoveries along the way. Hear about the practical steps of coordinating evaluations across borders, and the varied reactions from peers and workplaces in Germany. Through Will's story, we gain a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices and triumphs that come with kidney donation, highlighting the incredible impact of what happens when we choose to love a stranger.Will shares: “I’ve been the recipient of much kindness and generosity throughout my life and have been blessed with good health. It felt like the right time to give back. When I learned about altruistic kidney donation, I knew without a doubt this was the perfect opportunity to do something meaningful.”Living Kidney Donation in GermanyGlobal Observatory on DonationFrom Germany to America: A Living Kidney Donor Story | National Kidney FoundationFacts and myths about altruistic organ donation | Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation | Oxford AcademicMarket Design Blog | Al RothMarket Design Blog (second article) | Al RothBerlin Kidney Exchange ArticleLiving Organ Donation Donor Rate StatisticsConnect with Laurie LeeGiftWorksDonor Diaries WebsiteDonor Diaries on FacebookGiftWorks WebsiteConnect with Laurie Lee