USA: A groundbreaking documentary titled “Abundant” is set to redefine our understanding of organ donation — specifically focusing on those who donate kidneys to strangers. This powerful film highlights the efforts of everyday heroes like Lori Lee, a notable kidney donor and one of the film’s producers. By featuring these unsung heroes, the documentary showcases the profound impact of altruistic kidney donation.
Lori’s journey into organ donation began with a personal narrative. Her father’s life was saved by a liver transplant, inspiring her to establish Transplant Village, an organization supporting transplant patients at Northwestern Medicine. Through this work, Lori encountered numerous kidney donors who shared their life-affirming experiences. Recognizing the ease and safety of the procedure for healthy individuals, Lori was driven to contribute her own kidney to a stranger, normalizing the act of organ donation.
The documentary not only seeks to inspire viewers but also aims to educate them on the benefits of living kidney donation. Lori emphasizes that kidneys from living donors often last twice as long as those from deceased donors. This distinction is critical, as patients on dialysis for over five years face significantly reduced survival rates. By promoting living donations, “Abundant” seeks to reduce the agonizing wait times for those on the transplant list.
For those apprehensive about the process, “Abundant” serves as a beacon of inspiration and information. The film advocates expanding our circle of care beyond familiar boundaries, encouraging viewers to consider the life-changing potential of organ donation. With its release in select theaters, including a premiere at the AMC in South Barrington, Chicago, on May 4th, this documentary is poised to make a lasting impact.
Lori Lee’s dedication to this cause underscores a crucial message: you don’t need to be a donor to profoundly affect someone’s life, but by becoming one, you take a monumental step towards making the world a better place.
