BOOK REVIEW: THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO LIVING KIDNEY DONATION
Everything You Need to Know If You Give (or Get) the Greatest Gift
Reviewed by: Jim Myers
Written by: Carol Offen & Elizabeth Crais
BookBaby Publishing First Edition 2021
ISBN (Print): 978-1-09836-983-5
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-09836-984-2
www.kidneydonorhelp.com
ppl. 301
"I don't think the magnitude of my decision to become a living donor finally hit me until that final goodbye before the surgery. My wife and I were departing for the hospital and our children would stay behind. The notion that this could be the last time I held my kids overwhelmed me. We had explained the basics of organ donation, hoping they would see this as a selfless act of love. But my teenage son understood better than his younger sister the risk. Sharing age-appropriate information is a key consideration for donors, and one that cannot be taken lightly. We were all hopeful, but nervous."
Introduction
This book is completely unique in the field of Kidney Transplant Books. What makes this book so special is it comes from two very experienced people, one a kidney donor, one a kidney recipient. The information in the book is not only based on top-notch, up-to-date research, but there are numerous, invaluable references to lessons learned from personal experience. There are great stories of other people's experiences as well. These insiders' points make the book a genuine treasure!
A Complete and Through Discussion of Issues
My favorite thing about the book is that it covers the waterfront, any possible issue that could be encountered in the kidney transplant process. Essentials, Family Dynamics, Community Connections, Supporting Role, even the Authors' own personal stories are discussed. The details are truly revolutionary. Examples include:
• Tackling Potential Donor Obstacles;
• How and Why I Donated My Kidney;
• Why (and How) I Received a Kidney;
• Lessons Learned: Our Do's and Don'ts;
• What One Family's Missteps Taught Them;
• When The Donor is The Partner;
• Potential Donor Found Him;
• He Donated to Someone He Might Never Meet;
• Helping Overcome Transplant Obstacles;
• Researcher as Caregiver;
• How a Would-Be Donor Became an Advocate;
• What's on the Horizon;
The book is impeccably referenced with Days, an Appendix, Glossory and Notes.
Conclusion
It doesn't matter if you are a novice to the Kidney Transplant/Donation Process or a multi-year Kidney Transplant Veteran, this is a classic reference book. The best part of this book is the personal, inside information you cannot find anywhere else. It's a great, must-have, must-read masterpiece.
