Living liver donation: one liver. Two lives.
Living Donor Liver Transplants: One Liver. Two Lives.
At the Fight For Life Club Foundation, we fight daily to give children a second chance. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through living donor liver transplants. If you’re here, it means you care. This page will show you how living donation works, why it’s important, and how you can join the fight to save a child’s life.
What is a living donor liver transplant?
A living donor liver transplant occurs when a healthy adult donates a small portion of their liver to a child in need. The liver is special: it’s the only organ in the human body that regenerates. Within weeks, both the donor’s liver and the child’s liver regenerate to nearly their full size. One liver. Two lives saved.
Living donors can be parents, relatives, friends, or even compassionate individuals. All donors undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure the safety of the donation for everyone involved.
Why do children need living donors?
Small livers are rare. Deceased donor livers for children are extremely scarce. Time is crucial. Many children do not survive long enough to receive a deceased donor liver. Living donation saves time and lives. With a living donor, the transplant can be performed sooner and planned for the best possible timing.
Every child we help is racing against time. A living donor can be the miracle they need.
Is it safe to donate?
Living liver donation is major surgery, but it is performed with expert care and safety. Donors are only approved if they are in excellent health.
- 99.8% of living liver donors survive the surgery.
- The liver grows back in about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Donors usually return to their normal lives in 2 to 3 months.
- Most donors say they would do it again without hesitation.
You don’t need to be a relative to donate. You only need a willing heart and a healthy body.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: You must be a blood relative to donate. Fact: You only need to be healthy and have a compatible blood type.
Myth: Donating will ruin your health. Fact: Donors recover well and lead a normal, healthy life.
Myth: Donating is very expensive. Fact: The recipient’s insurance covers all medical expenses related to the donation. There are also programs that help with travel costs or loss of income.
Myth: One liver is only enough for one life. Fact: A living liver donation saves the child’s life, and the donor’s liver regenerates.
Real Impact
Every year, thousands of children wait for a liver transplant. Not all of them make it.
But when a living donor steps in, the story changes. The transplant can be performed quickly. The child recovers. A life is saved.
Living donors are heroes. They not only save lives but also give children back their futures.
Want to learn more?
Here are reliable sources where you can dive deeper:
- UNOS – United Network for Organ Sharing
- American Transplant Foundation
Do you have questions? Want to explore how to become a donor? Contact us; we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Because every child deserves to win
At the Fight For Life Club Foundation, we believe every child is a fighter. With your help, we give them the best chance to succeed.
One decision. One liver. One life saved. Perhaps two.