Introducing the Ned Brooks Legacy Fund
Honoring a Visionary. Empowering the Future.
As the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO) transitions into a new era of leadership, we are proud to honor the extraordinary legacy of our founder, Ned Brooks, by launching a special fundraising campaign: The Ned Brooks Legacy Fund.
Ned’s journey began in 2015 with a non-directed kidney donation at Weill Cornell Medicine—an act of compassion that ignited a movement. From that moment on, Ned became a tireless advocate for living kidney donation. His vision was simple but profound: empower people to save lives through donation, and support them every step of the way.
Through his groundbreaking TEDx Talk and commitment to peer-to-peer connection, Ned founded Donor to Donor, which later evolved into the National Kidney Donation Organization—now the largest living donation advocacy group in the United States. His belief that no one can better support a prospective donor than someone who’s already donated has changed lives, transformed communities, and inspired a national movement.
Now, with the Ned Brooks Legacy Fund, we are ensuring that this mission continues to thrive for generations to come. Donations to the legacy fund will be divided equally into two segregated accounts: one for the day-to-day activity of NKDO’s programs and services and one for the longer-term investment of NKDO’s future.
Your Gift Will Help:
- Educate the public about living kidney donation
- Advocate for better policies and support for donors
- Expand outreach to build a stronger, more connected donor community
This fund is not just a tribute to Ned—it’s a call to action. By contributing, you’re helping carry forward his vision and sustaining the life-saving work of NKDO.
Celebrate the legacy. Fuel the future.
Join us in honoring Ned Brooks and supporting the continued mission of the National Kidney Donation Organization.
Ned’s History & Impact
Ned Brooks has profoundly influenced the living kidney donor community through his personal actions and advocacy. In 2015, inspired by a Freakonomics podcast on kidney exchange, he became a non-directed kidney donor, initiating a chain of three transplants. This experience led him to establish Donor to Donor, which later became the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), aiming to support and guide prospective donors. Brooks shared his journey in a TEDx Talk titled “What Makes a Person Decide to Donate His Kidney to a Stranger?”. His continued advocacy and impact were recognized in 2023 when he received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Kidney Registry.
Thank You Ned!
"In October of 2023 my wife and I were on a road-trip when we heard the Feakonomics podcast episode 209 “Make Me a Match (Updated)” in which Stephen Dubner interviewed Ned Brooks about his kidney donation. Ned was 65 when he donated, and I was just turning 65. By the end of the episode I was crying. I turned to my wife and said, “I had no idea I might still be able to donate a kidney— I bet I could do that.” A few months later I remembered the episode and began to look into it. As I considered it I felt drawn to donate. As I learned more a great peace and a deep resolve settled in. After getting my wife’s buy-in I signed up as an altruistic donor at the National Kidney Registry. I went through a battery of detailed health screenings that showed I’m actually as healthy as I feel. The national search for an ideal match found someone on the kidney waiting list that was a perfect match for me (ZERO eplet mismatch) and it turned out that they lived in my area. On September 10, 2024 I was wheeled into surgery. The doctors said that as soon as my kidney was connected to the recipient it began making urine—a very good sign of long-term success. My recovery has gone well and I have felt a responsibility to give others the gift of awareness that they too can save a life. Nearly every week I spend 6 hours or so at local blood drives manning an information table. I have passed out a lot of literature, have had many meaningful conversations about kidney donation, and have had several people express a desire to donate. All of this came about because of the example and influence of Ned Brooks. I’ve never met him personally, but I’m grateful to him for his example and leadership. Ned, I wish you the very best in your retirement!"
"I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Freakonomics, on a walk one spring. It happened to be an update to the "Make Me a Match" episode, and featured Ned talking about his experience as a donor. I had already found that the episode got me thinking about kidney donation - just in how logical a choice it is, and how the mathematics meant one donation could impact several lives. But Ned's interview, and his interaction with his recipient, provided an emotional layer to the consideration that was very compelling. I did end up donating about 14 months later, and have no regrets. Thanks Ned for setting an example."