Living Kidney Donor’s Gift Restores Recipient After Polycystic Kidney Disease, Spotlighting Donor Shortages

Living kidney Donor’s Gift Restores Friend’s Health, Marks 10-Year Milestone

USA: About a decade ago, Andy Younger, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Chamber, became a living kidney donor for his friend Marty Skates, who was battling polycystic kidney disease. The donation set in motion a life-saving transplant that the pair will mark with a 10-year milestone on March 7, 2027.

The two men had stayed in touch after Marty moved to Philadelphia, and a social media post prompted Younger to step forward. The pair completed the extensive testing and matching required for living donation, a process described by transplant specialists as thorough and time-consuming, including medical evaluation, counseling and surgical scheduling.

The result, both men say, has been transformational: Marty’s kidney function returned to levels that feel normal and he credits the transplant with restoring his health and family life. The operation also enabled Marty and his wife to welcome a third child after the procedure, and Younger remains close to the family, serving as a godparent.

Physicians and advocates note living donation can dramatically shorten wait times and change outcomes for recipients. Younger emphasizes the personal nature of the decision but urges those considering donation to consult transplant teams at regional centers to understand risks, screening and long-term follow-up before proceeding.

Video originally published on 2026-04-24 18:11:40