As a living kidney donor, I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible gift of saving someone’s life. Donating my kidney — while difficult — was one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. Yet, every year, 1,500 people in Southwest Florida die while waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant. We can change this tragic reality, and Rep. Byron Donalds has an opportunity to help lead the way by supporting the End Kidney Deaths Act (H.R. 2687).
In Florida’s 19th district, 1,506 people are on dialysis, and 21% of them die each year while waiting for a kidney transplant. After becoming a donor, I realized just how life-changing living kidney donation can be. It’s a difficult decision, but the fulfillment, both for the recipient and the donor, are immeasurable. However, without financial compensation, many people are unwilling to take that leap.
The End Kidney Deaths Act addresses this need by offering a refundable tax credit of $10,000 per year for five years to living kidney donors who donate to a stranger. Kidney donation is not only emotionally rewarding but also physically demanding, and it deserves recognition. Just like we compensate other heroes (such as police officers and firefighters) who risk their lives to save others, kidney donors should receive compensation for their selflessness and bravery…