As National Donor Awareness Month unfolds, the importance of organ donation takes center stage, and few advocates embody its mission more than Luis Mayen. With more than 22 years of service at Donor Network West, Mayen has dedicated his career to fostering relationships that help save lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. His passion led him to become a non-directed kidney donor, a selfless act that changed not only his life but also that of a recipient across the country.
(Listen to the complete interview between Crystal Thornton and Luis Mayen in the Podcast below)
A Life-Changing Decision
Mayen’s journey into organ donation began early in his career when he facilitated organ matching for patients. "Every day, I would see one name come off the transplant list, but I also saw the 99,000 others still waiting," he recalls. This experience ignited a passion for addressing the overwhelming need for kidney transplants, which make up the majority of the organ waiting list.
That passion turned personal when Mayen decided to become a living donor himself. "I didn’t want to wait until my death to make an impact—I felt called to help someone now," he said. After extensive medical evaluations, he was approved to donate one of his kidneys, ultimately giving it to a woman in New York.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
On January 3, 2024, Mayen underwent surgery at UCSF in San Francisco. His kidney was then flown overnight to New York, where it was successfully transplanted the next morning. "I know she’s a mother. She had a donor in her family who wasn’t a match, but they donated on faith that someone else would be," he said. That faith was answered when Mayen entered the system and became a perfect match.
Despite not meeting his recipient, Mayen has no regrets. "I didn’t initiate contact because I wanted this to be a true gift—no expectations, just the hope that she could return to her life and family," he explained.
Dispelling Myths About Living Donation
For those hesitant about becoming living donors, Mayen reassures that the process is rigorous and safe. "You can’t just walk in and donate—you go through extensive testing. Only about one in 20 people is healthy enough to be approved," he said.
His own recovery was swift: "I was walking the next day, ran a 10K three weeks later, and a half marathon a few months after." He also emphasized that donating a kidney does not drastically change one’s lifestyle. "I have no dietary restrictions, and my single kidney functions perfectly."
More Ways to Give
Beyond living kidney donation, Mayen highlighted other ways to save lives through organ and tissue donation. "A single donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of many more through cornea and tissue donation," he noted. Registering as an organ donor, he says, is "one of the greatest gifts you can give your family, as it removes the burden of decision-making during a difficult time."
How to Get Involved
Mayen encourages people to have conversations with loved ones about their wishes regarding organ donation. "Whether it's registering at the DMV or considering living donation, taking that first step can change lives," he said.
For those interested in learning more, resources are available at:
- Donor Network West: www.donornetworkwest.org
- National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org
- Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN): www.optn.org
- United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): www.unos.org
As we celebrate National Donor Awareness Month, Mayen hopes that his story will inspire others. "If even one person feels called to explore donation, then sharing my experience was worth it," he said.