How NKF's Digital Marketing Director Became a Life-Saving Altruistic Kidney Donor

With nearly 90,000 people waiting for a kidney, the need for donors is much greater than the supply. Although there are not many altruistic kidney donors, the number of people who give anonymously is growing. Their impact is undeniable. One of these special people is Daniel Emerson, the Digital Marketing Director of National Kidney Foundation (NKF), who chose to give the gift of life to a stranger.

Dan joined NKF in 2018. Through his work, Dan has helped thousands of people affected by kidney disease with the information they need to live healthier lives.

"Donating had been in the back of my mind since I joined," Dan said. "I learned about kidney transplants and living donations by sharing NKF’s resources on our organization’s social media. In early 2024, I read an NKF blog about a living donor. The donor talked about how important giving the gift of life was to them. I knew the surgery was safe and thought, 'Why not now?'"

To educate himself even more, Dan relied on the same resources he shares with other potential donors on the job.

"We have amazing resources like The Kidney Learning Center's free online course, 'Becoming a Living Donor'. It taught me a lot, “Dan said. “NKF Peers, which connects patients and potential donors to trained mentors with lived experience also helped. My mentor gave me tips and talked me through their experience. Learning their story and hearing their guidance took away a lot of fear."

Dan was ready to leap but wanted to ensure his husband was okay with the decision.

"My husband was completely on board. He trusted my knowledge about living kidney donation and let me make the choice," Dan said. "We discussed what my recovery would be like, especially since we have a son who was under two at the time. We knew that would be the most challenging part."

Others had some concerns, the main one being: what if Dan or one of his family members needs a kidney in the future?

"I explained how safe donating a kidney is. Once they understood that, everyone got excited for me," Dan said. "The National Kidney Registry's (NKR) family voucher program also helped ease their worries. I don't know if I would have donated if that option wasn't available."

NKR's family voucher program allows the donor to list five people. Should they need a kidney, they'll be prioritized for a living kidney donation.

Learn more about NKR's voucher program.

@nationalkidneyfoundation Stay tuned for more updates from Dan as he becomes a living donor! #livingdonor #kidneydisease #kidney #CKD ♬ Lo-fi hip hop - NAO-K

Dan began the living kidney donor evaluation in March 2024.

"I filled out an online form with my medical history and had labs drawn to check my health. My health was great and I was referred to a transplant hospital," said Dan. "A month later, I did a full day of testing at the transplant center. I spoke to the transplant social worker about any risks and my rights as a donor."

A few weeks later, Dan got the news he had hoped for.

"I was approved! I wasn't sure I'd be a good candidate. While I’m healthy, I’m not in peak physical shape," said Dan. "When I got the approval, it felt like I was making the decision again. Everything became real–Soon I’d only have one kidney. "

Dan's surgery was scheduled for June 18th. 

"I woke up early. My mom came to babysit, and my husband drove me to the hospital. He was excited and anxious but helped keep me calm," Dan said. "The hospital staff was great. Their living donor advocate was with me the whole time, and the surgeons answered all my questions. My surgery went perfectly."

The first week of recovery was tough but not as bad as Dan expected.

"It was hard because the pain was constant, but it wasn't overwhelming. Within a week, I was walking around and feeling better," Dan said. "Many family members visited. I enjoyed my time off and tried to relax. I also wrote a letter for my transplant team to send to my recipient after the required six-month wait."

Dan fully recovered in just a few weeks.

"The only advice from the transplant team was to eat healthy, drink more water, and don't take NSAID pain medicine like Motrin and Advil," Dan said. "That's it. My life is now back to normal."

Learn more about the living kidney donor experience pre and post-transplant surgery.

@nationalkidneyfoundation NKF employee Dan shares his perspective going through the living donation process! Learn more at kidney.org/livingdonation. #livingdonor #kidneydisease #kidney #CKD ♬ original sound - National Kidney Foundation

Back at work, Dan is doing what he does best–advocating for people with kidney disease.

"I’ve attended many NKF Kidney Patient Summits and Kidney Walks. I’ve spoken with many living donors and transplant recipients. I often leave events with tears in my eyes because it’s so moving to hear what getting a kidney means to them," Dan said. "I’m happy to be back at NKF, spreading the importance of organ donation."

While Dan has always admired kidney donors, he now understands the deep emotional impact of donating.

"I’ve talked to kidney recipients who can now see their children get married or their grandchildren graduate from high school. Now that I have a child, this hits even deeper," Dan said. "Knowing my kidney could help give those experiences to someone brings me joy. It's their kidney now. Even if I never hear from my recipient, I’m happy knowing I did my part. Now it’s their turn."

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