How This CEO’s Kidney Donation Sparked a Life-Saving Transplant Chain

When Michael (Mike) Crowley became the CEO of NKF Wisconsin, he never imagined he would donate a kidney to a stranger. His perspective changed as he learned more about living kidney donation and met people with kidney disease.

Four years after joining NKF, Mike made the selfless decision to donate his kidney—ultimately starting a chain of transplants that saved multiple lives.

Mike began working with nonprofits in 2000 when his young son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"I worked in manufacturing for 35 years while volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. But I wanted to do more with nonprofits. In 2018, I left manufacturing to become the CEO of my local Habitat for Humanity,” Mike said. "Two years later, I saw a job listing for CEO of NKF Wisconsin."

Mike took the leap, applied, and got the job.

"Giving has always been a part of who I am. I’ve had organ donor marked on my driver's license since the moment I could sign up. I've donated over nine gallons of blood," Mike said. "This job was the perfect fit for me."

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one pint of blood can save up to three lives. As a frequent blood donor, Mike has likely saved at least 100 lives.

But as Mike approached his 60th birthday and fourth year with NKF, he asked himself: What else can I do to make an impact?

"Living donors and recipients spoke at Wisconsin's 2024 Gala. Seeing and hearing firsthand how donation changed their lives—it was incredible," said Mike. "I began thinking about donating a kidney."

Mike already knew that donors could live healthy lives with just one kidney. But he still worried the surgery could impact his ability to bike.

"I've been a charity cyclist since 2001. I didn't want surgery to affect that. Then I met Mark Scotch, a living kidney donor who bikes across the country to raise awareness about organ donation," said Mike. "I spoke and rode with him in August 2024. I saw that donating a kidney hadn't affected his abilities at all."

Mike filled out a transplant center's living donor questionnaire the moment he got home from this ride.

Learn more about the living kidney donor evaluation.

A few days later, Mike got a call from the transplant center.

"We exchanged emails. I completed more health questionnaires before speaking with the transplant coordinator. She was wonderful and answered all my questions. By the end of the conversation, she invited me in for a full health exam."

Mike's evaluation took place on October 16, 2024.

"My biggest worry was that they'd find something serious, like cancer or kidney disease," Mike said. "One in three Americans is at risk for kidney disease. Wouldn't it be ironic if the CEO of NKF Wisconsin couldn't donate because of kidney issues?"

Mike's fears were unfounded—his health was perfect. On October 31, 2024, Mike got the news he had hoped for.

"I was approved,” Mike said. “I immediately started tearing up because I was so grateful and excited. There was just one thing—I needed a routine colonoscopy before they could schedule the transplant.”

Once again, Mike worried that the colonoscopy results would disqualify him.

"Thankfully, I had no issues,” said Mike. “I was on top of the world after learning this."

On January 8, 2025, Mike donated his kidney to a stranger. His selfless act started a kidney chain. A kidney chain begins with an altruistic donor giving a kidney to a stranger. The recipient's donor, who wasn't a match, then donates to another person. This continues, allowing multiple people to receive life-saving transplants.

"My kidney donation started a chain that helped multiple people get a life-saving transplant," Mike said. "It's incredible to know that my one kidney led to several transplants happening across the country."

Mike donated through the NKR Voucher Program. This allows him, as an altruistic donor, to list up to five loved ones to receive priority on a living donor kidney should thy ever need one.

"Diabetes is a top cause of kidney disease. My son has a 50% chance of developing kidney failure," Mike said. "Me donating through this program puts him first in line for a living donor kidney should he ever need one."

Learn how you can donate a kidney.

Since the donation, Mike has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from family, friends, and even strangers.

"I thought recovery would be difficult, but it went well," said Mike. "I am in awe of the support. I am so thankful for my family, friends, coworkers, and strangers who have sent me kind messages and well wishes."

He also received an update about his recipient.

"I was told that my recipient produced a lot of urine right away," Mike said. "That is a great sign that the kidney is working."

Mike now hopes to share his story to inspire others to consider living kidney donation.

"Nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant. Every day, around 13 people die while waiting for a kidney. If more people considered donating, we could solve this crisis."

Thanks to living kidney donation, Mike was able to share his spare, save a life, and start a chain of kidney transplants across the country.

"Someday, I'll know just how many lives were saved through that initial donation," Mike said. "In the meantime, I'll keep spreading the word. Everyone deserves a second chance at life."

NKF is here for you whether you're exploring treatment options, considering donating a kidney, or need one.