Living donation eliminates the recipient's need for placement on the national waiting list. This means that a living donor can actually save two lives – that of their recipient and that a person who takes their place on the wait list. 

Short and long term survival rates are significantly better for transplants from living donors than transplants from deceased donors. (On average, approximately 18 years for a kidney from a living donor compared to 13 years for a kidney from a deceased donor). 

Living donor kidneys almost always start functioning immediately, whereas deceased donor kidneys can take from a few days to a few weeks to start functioning. (Often called a Sleepy Kidney)

A transplant gives the recipient the possibility of a normal, dialysis-free life, which allows for steady employment and more time for their family. 

Health deteriorates the longer someone remains on dialysis. 

A kidney transplant doubles the life expectancy compared to staying on kidney dialysis treatment.

Waiting for a deceased donor can be very stressful and unhealthy. 

The surgery can be scheduled at a mutually-agreed upon time rather than performed on an emergency basis. 

Potential donors receive a thorough medical work up at no expense, whether or not the donation eventually takes place. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of living donation is the psychological benefit. The recipient can experience positive feelings knowing that the gift came from a loved one or a caring stranger. The donor experiences the satisfaction of knowing that he or she has contributed to the improved health of the recipient.