When a family member suffers from kidney failure – there is no more human, medical, and loving gesture than a kidney donation from close family members.
In fact, the Ministry of Health and the Matanat Chaim organization require exhausting the option of donation within the family before starting to look for an altruistic donor.
In certain cases – such as hereditary diseases affecting the kidneys – it is not possible to receive a donation from within the family. But in most cases, this is a step that must be seriously examined.
The Matanat Chaim organization accompanies you here as well, with understanding, sensitivity, and rich experience.
of searching for a donor and waiting on lists
Especially among parents and children
The family should be the first circle
The Ministry of Health requires that exhausting the family option be a prerequisite for registration on the waiting list for an altruistic donor
Matanat Chaim runs the “Lema’an Achai” (For My Brothers) program – a unique program for accompanying transplant candidates and their families.
The program coordinator, Evelyn Chazut, a kidney donor herself, speaks with every family, conducts in-depth inquiries with family members, and initiates meetings and explanations, with the goal of turning the impossible – into the possible.
“We do not settle for a negative answer.
A family member who is unwilling to be tested must present a medical reason.
It is not just a medical issue – it is a statement of responsibility, of compassion, and of basic human connection.”
– Evelyn Chazut, coordinator of “Lema’an Achai”
In cases where a donor is found within the family but there is no medical match – there is an option to participate in a paired donation (cross-donation), where couples of donor and recipient “swap” so that everyone receives a suitable donation.
If you have a family member who needs a kidney donation –
contact us today.
We will accompany you in the process, respect your pace, explain what to expect, and stand by your side along the entire way.
When a family member is sick, coping is not simple. It is hard to see them suffer, to cope alongside them, and to look for solutions. The patient primarily needs support, a hug, and the clear knowledge that their family will do everything so they can receive a kidney donation.
“The poor of your city come first” – this is what Jewish law dictates, and logic dictates the same. When a family member needs a kidney transplant, the most natural and correct thing is to check the possibility of a donation within the family. Beyond the high medical compatibility, there is also an important human and ethical value in this.
“Your relatives – are close”
The very willingness to check the possibility of donating for a family member is the biggest hug that can be given to them. It must be remembered that every potential donor has parents and family members who worry about them. Therefore, it is unreasonable for an altruistic donor to donate to a patient whose family has not been tested first.
I am sure that once you receive all the information, you will be able to approach the process with a calm heart, with joy, and with an immense sense of fulfillment.
My late husband, of blessed memory, when visiting a donor who chose to donate to their relative, would tell them with emotion:
“I waited to see who had the privilege to save their family member…”
Wishing you the merit to expand the circles of giving and be a symbol and example for others.
With appreciation and respect,
Rachel Heber
