My name is Austin, and at 25 years old, I donated my left kidney altruistically to a young girl in Wisconsin that I had never met before.

My donation journey began when I was a freshman at NYU studying aerospace engineering. One day, I had a dream about kidney donations. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but I knew it meant something; thus, my journey began.

I spent the next few months going back and forth with the transplant center until they informed me that if I wanted to donate to someone I had never met before, I would have to wait until I was 25. Still determined, I waited patiently. I didn’t know anyone who needed a kidney, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t someone out there who could benefit from something that would be a mere inconvenience for me.

Over the course of 4 years, between 2020 and 2023, I lost 3 friends whose lives were taken too soon. Between the three of them, 4 kidneys were donated to 4 lucky strangers who received the gift of life thanks to those three heroes I was lucky enough to know in this lifetime. As the 4th person was recovering, I turned 25 and knew that it was time. I reached out to USC Keck, and my journey continued.

Over the next 10 months, I went through numerous tests, including MRIs, CT scans, and multiple blood tests (one of which involved taking 35 vials in one go). When everything came back looking good, I submitted a DNA test and entered the kidney donation portal. It wasn’t until this point that I told my family, many of whom questioned why I would do it and what the possible repercussions would be. My answer was simple yet nuanced. The decision stemmed from a genuine desire to make a positive difference and contribute to the well-being of someone in need. Life’s true fulfillment, for me, lies in acts of selflessness, and the opportunity to offer a second chance at life through kidney donation felt like the most meaningful way to embody that principle. It was time for someone to get their flowers.

I was informed in early October of 2023 that I had a match! All that I knew was that it was a girl in her early 20s who had a rare kidney/blood type combo. Someone had donated on her behalf, and thanks to my type O blood, she was going to get a kidney!

Prior to my donation, I was an avid golfer and tennis player, playing once or twice a week at the country club I belonged to. I knew that there was a chance I wouldn’t be as active for a while after surgery, but the gift of life is much more important than a fun little hobby. Besides, I knew that I would be able to get back out on the course eventually.

On October 19th, 2023, I found out that my surgery date was set for October 25th. In celebration, I threw a “Goodbye Kidney” party and invited all of my closest friends and family. The doctors and nurses said that donated organs are either sent as cargo on an airplane, sent in first class with a medical professional, or even occasionally flown in a private jet. I joked around with my family that my kidney was going to be flying first class or private before I did.

The operation came and went faster than I can remember. Dr. Jim Kim at USC Keck did an incredible job, and the scar is barely noticeable 9 months post-operation. When I woke up from surgery, I was craving my favorite dumplings and buns from Din Tai Fung. The head nurse said I would be starving but not able to eat much; when the food arrived, it was enough to feed an army. One bun later, I was done.

The pain after surgery was minimal thanks to pain medicine, and I was only out of work for a few weeks. I was fortunate enough to be visited and taken care of constantly by my loved ones. I was back on the golf course 2 months after surgery, doing what I loved. I haven’t yet had the chance to meet the young girl who received my kidney, but maybe one day the stars will align and my left kidney and I will be reunited.

I want others to understand that the decision to donate a kidney is not just a medical procedure; it is an opportunity to profoundly impact someone’s life. It goes beyond the physical act to embody the essence of altruism and the potential for individuals to come together to create positive change. My advice to others considering donation is to listen to the call of empathy within, recognize the privilege of good health, and appreciate the immeasurable value of contributing to the well-being of another human being. In the tapestry of life, each thread of altruism weaves a narrative of hope, resilience, and the enduring beauty of selfless giving.

Knowing that a simple act of generosity has the potential to create a ripple of positive change reaffirms my belief in the interconnectedness of humanity. This journey has enriched my understanding of empathy, compassion, and the shared responsibility we have for one another’s well-being. It’s a testament to the inherent goodness that exists within us, waiting to be expressed through acts of kindness.

Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.