I'm Patrick Connor, and I need a KIDNEY.
I live in New York with my beautiful wife, Olivia, and our son, Arlo. We're always on the go, spending most of our time outside, playing every sport at every park, no matter the season. That is the life I want to get back to.
I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a rare autoimmune kidney disease, when I was 17. After nearly two decades of managing it, my kidneys failed last year and I'm now on dialysis, which makes everyday life harder. A transplant would give me my quality of life back, and the chance to live a longer, healthier life with my family.
How living donation works
Fill out NYU Langone's health questionnaire
It's online, confidential, and takes about 15–20 minutes. It goes straight to the transplant team, not to me.
Name your intended recipient
If you'd like to be considered for me, enter Patrick Connor when the form asks. If it asks for my date of birth, just email me.
Talk with the donor team
If the questionnaire looks good, a coordinator will call you about blood tests and a full evaluation. You'll also meet an independent living donor advocate whose only job is to look out for you.
Decide, privately
The team keeps your results and your decision confidential. You can step away at any point, for any reason. I won't be told, and I'd never ask.
Not a match? You can still help. Through paired exchange with the National Kidney Registry, you can donate to someone else, and their matched donor gives to me.
NYU Langone's living donor pageBefore you decide
Can I live with one kidney?
Yes. Healthy people live full lives with one kidney. The evaluation is thorough because its purpose is to make sure donating is safe for you.
Who pays?
The recipient's insurance covers your evaluation and surgery. New York State's Living Donor Support Program can help eligible donors with costs like travel and a support person.
What is the surgery like?
Most donor surgery is done through small incisions. Many donors return to desk work within a few weeks; the team will give you a timeline for your situation.
Who can be tested?
Generally adults 18 or older in good health. You don't need to be family. Friends, coworkers, and people who've never met me have donated to strangers.
Questions about your health or eligibility are best answered by the NYU Langone donor team. You can also read more at kidneyregistry.com and the NY Living Donor Support Program.
Contact
If you have a question, or just want to say hello, you can reach me by email.
Health and eligibility questions are best answered by the NYU Langone donor team, and anything you share with them stays confidential.