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Estranged Mom Reaches Out To Son After 14 Years, He’s Shocked By The Real Reason Why
People rely on family in times of crisis. But what if you’re asking for help from someone you’ve never shown up for?
This teen’s mother abandoned him at birth. So he was surprised when, after 14 years of silence, she suddenly reached out, claiming she wanted to reconnect. He was skeptical—and rightfully so. Because it turned out she wasn’t interested in rebuilding a relationship. What she really wanted was his kidney, to save a half-sister he had never even met.
Needless to say, he wasn’t exactly eager to help. Here’s how it all unfolded.
RELATED:
The teen was surprised when his mother, who had abandoned him at birth, suddenly reached out to reconnect 14 years later
Image credits: Stephen Andrews / Unspalsh (not the actual photo)
But it turned out she wasn’t looking to rekindle a relationship—she wanted him to donate his kidney
Image credits: Colton Sturgeon / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: gaspar zaldo / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: throwaway_kidney4
What it takes to become a kidney donor and what comes after
For many people, a kidney transplant isn’t just a medical procedure, it’s a lifeline. And unfortunately, not everyone who needs one will get it.
In the U.S. alone, the National Kidney Foundation reports that out of 123,000 people on the organ transplant waiting list, more than 101,000 are hoping for a kidney. Yet each year, only about 17,000 people receive one. Every single day, 12 people die still waiting.
With odds like that, it’s no surprise that families often turn to each other in moments of desperation. But donating a kidney is a huge decision—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s far from easy, and it comes with real risks.
Here’s a general idea of what the process looks like (please note: this isn’t professional medical advice, only a doctor can provide that).
Step one: health screening
Before anything happens, a potential donor goes through a full medical evaluation to ensure they’re healthy enough to donate. According to the American Kidney Fund, this can include:
- Blood tests (to determine blood and tissue types)
- Urine tests
- Heart and lung exams
- Blood pressure checks
- Imaging scans like a spiral CT to look at the kidneys
- Colonoscopy (for donors over 50)
- Prostate exam (for men)
- Mammogram and Pap smear (for women)
These tests help doctors assess not only your health, but whether your kidney would be a good match for the recipient.
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
The surgery and recovery
Like any surgery, kidney donation comes with risks. Common ones include pain, fatigue, and scarring. In rare cases, complications like infections or pneumonia can occur. The good news is that the risk of death during the procedure is extremely low—less than 1 in 10,000.
Most donors stay in the hospital for one to two nights after the surgery. Once home, recovery can take a few weeks. You can eat and drink normally, though it’s important to stay hydrated, especially since your remaining kidney will now be doing all the work.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe after recovery, but overdrinking can lead to dehydration and strain the kidney. So staying mindful is key.
Long-term effects
Pregnancy after kidney donation is still possible, but doctors usually recommend waiting 6–12 months to give your body time to adjust.
While many donors live healthy lives, there are some possible long-term effects to be aware of. Some people develop high blood pressure years after donating, but it can often be managed with medication, just like in non-donors.
There’s also a small chance of developing diabetes or even kidney failure later in life. However, less than 1% of donors experience kidney failure after donating. And if they do, they receive priority on the transplant waiting list.
Despite these risks, research shows that donating a kidney doesn’t shorten your life expectancy, and most donors go on to live full, healthy lives.
The bottom line
Donating a kidney is a deeply personal choice. It’s not something anyone should be pressured into, and no one is ever obligated to say yes.
It’s your body, your health, and your decision.
Most commenters firmly agreed that the teen was under no obligation to undergo such a risky procedure
One person, however, argued that he was selfish for refusing to help save a life
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What do you think ?
Don Adams 4 months ago
Transplants do not require exact genetic matches, or have to be from blood relatives. I received a heart last year from a donor still unknown to me. The biggest criteria was blood type and size. Now at almost 25 months, things are doing well. I take about 40 pills a day ( was more at the beginning), some are designed to prevent my body from rejecting the new heart. They need get your half sister onto the transplant network. I encourage people to be donor's, but in your case, they seem to be considering you as spare parts. She has other options.
Ellinor she/they/elle 4 months ago
Don't donate that kidney. You don't have to, it's yours, and those people have done nothing for you. And even if they had it's still your kidney, yours to donate or not. But the fact that they only contacted you for your kidney and the harassment saying that it's YOUR fault that your sister is dy!ng and sending you pictures ?? Hell no !
Anyone-for-tea? 4 months ago
I wouldn’t worry, it’s a 5 year old story, the user’s account has been deleted, and lots of the comments say it’s is fake as one said minors aren’t allowed to be organ donors, and if she was that critical, she wouldn’t be eligible for the operation anyone as it takes months to ascertain if someone is suitable.
Load More Replies...
Bookworm 4 months ago
This is from 5 years ago. Account suspended so no update. IMO the dad really let OP down by letting the minor make the decision. He should have said OP was too young, he might have his own health problems, and he wasn't allowed to donate. Of course other easy solution was take him to a doctor, explain he's being coerced, and doctor would, truthfully, say he's not a match. OP wouldn't have known this. Dad should have and let OP give an opinion on which to do.
Arlnee 4 months ago
yes you have two kidneys BUT... my mom had an accident when she was a teenager and lost one of her kidneys. She lived just fine basically until her later years then her other kidney started giving out. By then she said she was too old for a transplant and wouldn't let any of us donate one of ours, so she spent the last ten years in dialysis until it finally gave up on her. Having two doesn't mean you have a spare, it means you have a backup.
Virgil Blue 4 months ago
"You owe them" nothing. Absolutely nothing. And like some people said, there is a chance you might have some kidney related trouble in the future if that disease is hereditary so take care.
Nils Skirnir 4 months ago
No one, especially a child, should be pressured into giving up body parts. Kidney donors can expect to live about five years less than average.
Mike F 4 months ago
I would be flabbergasted if it was me. Those people tossed him away, she was going to abort him, she lost any right for her and her flying monkeys to try and shame him for not giving up a body part, as a teenager, to someone he doesn't even know. What if the disease is hereditary and HIS issues manifest later? I read this before and I was as outraged then as I am now. The boy's dad needs to get a restraining order to keep those vermin from tormenting him. If/when the girl dies it's going to be worse.
Don Adams 4 months ago
Transplants do not require exact genetic matches, or have to be from blood relatives. I received a heart last year from a donor still unknown to me. The biggest criteria was blood type and size. Now at almost 25 months, things are doing well. I take about 40 pills a day ( was more at the beginning), some are designed to prevent my body from rejecting the new heart. They need get your half sister onto the transplant network. I encourage people to be donor's, but in your case, they seem to be considering you as spare parts. She has other options.
Ellinor she/they/elle 4 months ago
Don't donate that kidney. You don't have to, it's yours, and those people have done nothing for you. And even if they had it's still your kidney, yours to donate or not. But the fact that they only contacted you for your kidney and the harassment saying that it's YOUR fault that your sister is dy!ng and sending you pictures ?? Hell no !
Anyone-for-tea? 4 months ago
I wouldn’t worry, it’s a 5 year old story, the user’s account has been deleted, and lots of the comments say it’s is fake as one said minors aren’t allowed to be organ donors, and if she was that critical, she wouldn’t be eligible for the operation anyone as it takes months to ascertain if someone is suitable.
Load More Replies... Bookworm 4 months ago
This is from 5 years ago. Account suspended so no update. IMO the dad really let OP down by letting the minor make the decision. He should have said OP was too young, he might have his own health problems, and he wasn't allowed to donate. Of course other easy solution was take him to a doctor, explain he's being coerced, and doctor would, truthfully, say he's not a match. OP wouldn't have known this. Dad should have and let OP give an opinion on which to do.
Arlnee 4 months ago
yes you have two kidneys BUT... my mom had an accident when she was a teenager and lost one of her kidneys. She lived just fine basically until her later years then her other kidney started giving out. By then she said she was too old for a transplant and wouldn't let any of us donate one of ours, so she spent the last ten years in dialysis until it finally gave up on her. Having two doesn't mean you have a spare, it means you have a backup.
Virgil Blue 4 months ago
"You owe them" nothing. Absolutely nothing. And like some people said, there is a chance you might have some kidney related trouble in the future if that disease is hereditary so take care.
Nils Skirnir 4 months ago
No one, especially a child, should be pressured into giving up body parts. Kidney donors can expect to live about five years less than average.
Mike F 4 months ago
I would be flabbergasted if it was me. Those people tossed him away, she was going to abort him, she lost any right for her and her flying monkeys to try and shame him for not giving up a body part, as a teenager, to someone he doesn't even know. What if the disease is hereditary and HIS issues manifest later? I read this before and I was as outraged then as I am now. The boy's dad needs to get a restraining order to keep those vermin from tormenting him. If/when the girl dies it's going to be worse.
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