The Big Ask, The Big Givekidney.org    If you need a kidney transplant, you must first be evaluated for a transplant by a transplant center (a hospital that does transplants – not every hospital does them).

The evaluation is used to make sure you're a good candidate for a transplant.

If you have not been evaluated for a transplant yet, you can:Ask your doctor for a referral to a transplant centerORYou can also find and contact U.S. transplant centers near youCall and ask for the "Kidney Transplant Coordinator", who will be a registered nurse who can help.Then, talk to your transplant center about living and deceased donation options.

Make sure that you are active on the waiting list for a transplant from a deceased donor, even if you prefer to get a kidney from a living donor.I have a living donor.

What do they need to do?Any family members or friends who are interested in donating to you can contact your transplant center (ask for the “Transplant Coordinator”) for information and to begin the evaluation process.How can I ask someone to be my living donor?Talk to your friends and family about your kidney failure and need for a donor.

That way, if someone is interested in pursuing donation, they can ask for more information.Some people also decide to share their story and tell co–workers, community organizations, social groups, people who belong to their place of worship, or local newspapers or magazines that they need a transplant.