Lost wage reimbursement
Financial support for time away from work during donation recovery. Learn more
Help Ben find a kidney
Help Save Ben's Life.
Ben Street is a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend who is in dire need of a living kidney donor.
Blood type for a match
O+ or O−
Not type O? Paired donation is also an option.
Ben's story
Ben has built a life helping others
Ben grew up right here in San Diego, California. Kidney disease has been part of his story since he was just three months old. By sharing that story openly, he has helped others better understand kidney disease and feel less alone in facing it.
Ben's professional career has centered on helping others. He works for Lifesharing, the nonprofit organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation across San Diego and Imperial Counties. There, he supports families through some of their hardest moments as they consider organ donation and the lives it can save.
Ben also serves as the leader of his regional Kidney Advocacy Committee for the National Kidney Foundation, helping advocate for kidney patients across six Western states.
Now Ben is the one who needs our help. When he was 18, his mother Merry donated a kidney to another family through paired donation, and Ben received a kidney from a donor in that family — giving him 16 years to build a full life with the people he loves. Today, he urgently needs a second living-donor transplant. Maybe you could help.
"Being a living donor has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I understand that donating a kidney is a big decision, but I encourage you to consider it. You have the power to make a difference in someone's life."
Your questions, answered
Common Questions
Do I need the right blood type?
To be a direct donor you need O+ or O- blood type to match with Ben. But through paired donation, even people who are not a direct match can still help Ben receive a transplant.
Can I live a normal life with one kidney?
Absolutely! The donor team only approves people when donation is considered safe for long-term health.
What does the screening process involve?
It starts with a confidential questionnaire that takes about 15 minutes. If you want to continue, the Scripps Kidney Donor Program explains each next step clearly before anything else happens. Learn more
Will my insurance cover the costs? Who pays for the tests?
All medical tests needed along the way are completely paid for by Ben's health insurance. It costs no money to get screened.
What about time off work - and who covers the costs?
Help with lost wages, travel, and lodging may be available through more than one program.
For example, the National Kidney Registry's Donor Shield program can reimburse up to $2,000 a week in lost wages. Learn more
What if I don't match Ben directly?
You may still be able to help through a paired donor program. That can still lead to Ben receiving a kidney even if you are not a direct biological match.
Is the questionnaire really confidential?
Yes. Your medical information is handled by the Scripps transplant center in San Diego and kept completely confidential. In fact, unless you tell him, Ben will not know you are applying to be a donor.
Can I change my mind at any point?
Absolutely. You can stop at any point, for any reason, with no pressure and no obligation.
What actually happens
The first step takes about 15 minutes
1
Fill out the questionnaire
Confidential, no commitment, and about 15 minutes on the Scripps portal.
2
Medical review
The Scripps Kidney Donor Program reviews your health history and assigns an Independent Living Donor Advocate whose only job is supporting you as you explore the process.
3
Testing, if interested
Blood work and a small set of tests. Most can be done close to home. Learn more
4
You decide
At any point, you can stop. No pressure and no obligation. In fact, Ben will be unaware that you are exploring the process, unless you tell him.
The screening process is completely confidential to everyone, including Ben. He won't know that you applied unless you tell him. You can stop or pause at any point, for any reason.
You'll be supported
Donors are supported throughout the entire process
The National Kidney Registry provides meaningful donor protections that reduce financial and logistical burden.
Travel and lodging coverage
Coverage for approved travel and stay related to donation care.
Job protection support
Legal protections and guidance around workplace discrimination.
Testing near home
Most testing can happen close to home, reducing extra travel.
Donor mentor access
Talk with someone who has already donated.
Ready to take the first step?
The questionnaire is confidential and takes about 15 minutes. There is no obligation. Even just learning to see if the process may be right for you is an incredible act of kindness and generosity.