Save Sal's Life
Sal Lozano needs a living kidney donor
Blood type needed: O+
Secure screening via the National Kidney Registry
for Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Sal is a beloved father, son, and friend who is in urgent need of a living kidney transplant. One person can change everything — and that person could be you.
Meet Sal Lozano:
A Heart of Gold in Need of a New Start
Sal is a warm, generous, and spirited person who has touched the lives of everyone around him. He is now facing one of the greatest challenges of his life — kidney failure — and is in desperate need of a living donor transplant.
Living donor transplants have the best long-term outcomes, and finding the right match could give Sal many more years with his family and loved ones. If you are blood type O+ and in good health, you may be able to help.
Even if you can't donate, sharing his story could connect him with the person who can. Every share matters.
Known as the Silent Killer…
Sal’s journey with kidney disease began with a common, yet devastating, reality: undiagnosed and untreated high blood pressure. Like so many others, Sal didn't realize that hypertension was quietly damaging his kidneys over time. Known as the 'Silent Killer,' high blood pressure often has no symptoms until the damage is done. For Sal, it led to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRDKnown as the 'Silent Killer), making a transplant his only path forward.
Why It Matters
The Facts About Living Donation
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100K+
People in the US waiting for a kidney transplant right now
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13
People die every day waiting for a kidney they never receive
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20+ yrs
Average lifespan of a living donor kidney — far longer than deceased donor
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1
Healthy kidney is all you need — donors live full, normal lives
Could You Be A Match?
General Donor Eligibility
Sal needs someone with blood type O+. Here are some general guidelines — a transplant center will do a full evaluation to confirm eligibility.
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Blood type O+
Other types may also qualify depending on compatibility testing
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General Good Health
Generally in good health with no major chronic illnesses
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Free Medical Evaluation
Willing to go through a free medical and psychological evaluation
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In Good Health
No history of kidney disease or significant health conditions
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Ideal Age
Between 18 and 70 years old
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Willing to Travel
Able to travel to Sal's transplant center for testing (costs covered)
Note: All medical costs related to donation are covered by Sal's insurance. There is no financial burden to the donor.
Secure screening via the National Kidney Registry for Sharp Memorial Hospital.
What to Expect: The Path to Becoming a Donor
The journey to saving a life is broken down into simple steps. Remember, you can stop the process at any time, and your medical information is never shared with Sal or his family.
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Click the "See if I'm a Match" button to fill out a brief, confidential health questionnaire through the transplant center’s secure portal. This takes about 15 minutes and helps the medical team see if you are a healthy candidate.
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If your health history looks good, the transplant center will arrange a simple blood test (which can often be done at a lab near your home). This confirms your blood type and checks for "compatibility" with Sal.
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If you are a match, you’ll be invited to the transplant center for a full day of health screenings. This includes meeting with a donor advocate, a social worker, and doctors to ensure that donating is safe for you—both physically and emotionally.
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Once cleared, the surgery is scheduled at a time that works for both you and Sal. Because this is a "living donation," it is not an emergency surgery; it is a planned, calm procedure.
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The procedure is usually done laparoscopically (minimal scarring). Most donors stay in the hospital for 1–2 nights and are back to their normal routine in a few weeks, knowing they’ve given someone a second chance at life.
"Donor Advocate"
Many people don't realize that every donor is assigned an Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA) whose only job is to look out for the donor’s best interests, not the recipient’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. In almost all cases, the recipient’s medical insurance covers the cost of the donor’s evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care. You should not have to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses related to the donation.
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Yes. This is the most common concern, but the remaining kidney increases in size to compensate for the one that was removed. Most donors live long, healthy, and active lives without any restrictions on their diet or lifestyle.
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Even if you aren't a direct match for Sal, you can still help him through a Paired Kidney Exchange. This is a "swapping" system where you donate to someone else’s compatible recipient, and in turn, their donor gives a kidney to Sal. It’s a powerful way to save multiple lives at once.
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Most kidney donations are performed laparoscopically (using small incisions), which leads to a quicker recovery. Typically, donors stay in the hospital for 1–3 days and can return to non-strenuous work within 2–4 weeks.
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Extensive studies show that kidney donors have the same life expectancy as people who have not donated. The screening process is very thorough to ensure that only people who are healthy enough to donate are allowed to proceed. Your health is the medical team's top priority.
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The first step is a simple, confidential health screening. This doesn't commit you to anything; it just helps the transplant team determine if you are a healthy candidate. You can change your mind at any point in the process.
The Power of the Swap
Not a Match? You Can Still Help Sal Even If Your Aren’t A Match.
Many people want to help but worry they won't be a direct biological match for Sal. Thanks to the National Kidney Registry (NKR) and the team at Sharp Memorial, you can still save his life through a "Paired Exchange" or a "Donation Chain."
Directed Donation: You donate directly to Sal (if you are a compatible match).
Paired Exchange (The "Swap"): If you want to donate to Sal but aren't a match, you can donate to someone else who is a match for you. In exchange, their compatible donor gives a kidney to Sal.
Donation Chains: A single "Good Samaritan" donor can start a chain that allows multiple people—including Sal—to receive the kidneys they need.
The Bottom Line: You don’t need to be O-Positive to help Sal. You just need to be healthy and willing. The registry handles the matching "math" to ensure Sal gets the kidney he needs because of your gift.
Follow Sal's Story
on Instagram
Follow along for updates, share his posts, and help us spread the word. You never know whose feed this might land on—your one share could be the connection that saves Sal's life.
SPREAD THE WORD
You Can Help
Even Without Donating
Share Sal's story with friends, family, coworkers, and communities. Use the hashtag everywhere — on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and beyond.
#KidneyForSal
"Scan & Share"
For friends nearby: Have them scan this code with their phone camera to pull up this website instantly.
For your community: Download the QR Code PNG and post it to your Instagram or Facebook stories.
For local businesses:Download our Printable QR CODE PDF to hang on a community bulletin board.
"Ready to see if you could be Sal’s match?"
Taking the first step is simple and completely confidential. Clicking the button below will take you to the National Kidney Registry secure donor portal for Sal. It only takes about 15 minutes to fill out the health history form, and there is no obligation to proceed. His transplant is being coordinated through Sharp Memorial Hospital, ensuring the highest level of care and privacy for every donor. Your kindness starts here.
Where the Magic Happens: Sharp Memorial Hospital
Speak directly with a Living Donor Coordinator at the Sharp Memorial Transplant Center.
English: 858-650-5016
Español: 858-650-5015
Have a quick question for the hospital? Use their direct contact link:
Important Note: When calling or filling out forms, please mention you are inquiring for Sal Lozano.