Jesse Eisenberg's Selfless Act: The Inspiring Story Behind His Kidney Donation to a Stranger

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Jesse Eisenberg, the renowned actor best known for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” has made headlines with a remarkable act of generosity. The 42-year-old actor, already known for his regular blood donations, is taking his charitable efforts to a new level by donating a kidney to a stranger.

During an appearance on the TODAY show, Eisenberg disclosed his upcoming altruistic undertaking. “I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks,” he stated, adding, “I really am.” This decision reflects his deep commitment to helping others, even those he has never met.

When asked about his motivation for making such a profound and selfless choice, Eisenberg admitted he didn’t have a clear reason. “I don’t know why,” he confessed. “I got bitten by the blood donation bug. I’m doing an altruistic donation in mid-December. I’m so excited to do it.”

This type of donation, as explained by RWJ Barnabas Health, involves giving a kidney to someone suffering from advanced kidney disease without knowing the recipient personally. Such acts of kindness are rare and demonstrate an extraordinary level of compassion.

Eisenberg’s decision to donate his kidney highlights the potential for individuals to make significant impacts on the lives of others, even those outside their immediate circles. His example serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make through selfless acts of giving.

According to RWJ Barnabas Health, an altruistic donation is when a person donates a kidney to a person with advanced kidney disease whom he or she does not know.

Jesse Eisenberg has revealed that he has been bitten by the altruistic bug and will be donating his kidney to a stranger

These certain individuals are identified as non-directed kidney donors because it is not a kidney for a specific family member, friend, or someone they know personally who is need of a kidney.

No doubt this selfless act comes at a good time as there is currently an organ donor shortage in the US with about 90,000 on the transplant list who are waiting for a kidney alone according to the Health Resources and Services Administration as of September 2024.

Eisenberg detailed to TODAY.com why he believes that others should consider making the same decision that he has as he said: ‘It’s essentially risk-free and so needed.

‘I think people will realize that it’s a no-brainer, if you have the time and the inclination.’

The talented actor certainly has done his research on the matter as he described the process and how it will greatly benefit someone who needs it.

Eisenberg explained: ‘Let’s say person X needs a kidney in Kansas City, (and) their child or whoever was going to donate to them is, for whatever set of reasons, not a match, but somehow I am.

‘That person can still get my kidney and hopefully that child of that person still donates their kidney, right? But it goes to a bank where that person can find a match recipient, but it only works if there is basically an altruistic donor.’

He also told the site that the though of donating popped in his head about a decade ago and he contacted an organization but never received a response.

The 42-year-old actor appeared on the TODAY show on Thursday morning as he promoted upcoming the Now You See Me: Now You Don’t sequel with his castmates

He bravely revealed: ‘I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am’

Eisenberg was then asked why he would make such a bold but selfless decision and he did not really have an answer

The star replied: ‘I don’t know why. I got bitten by the blood donation bug. I’m doing an altruistic donation (in) mid-December. I’m so excited to do it.’

The actor is best known for playing Mark Zuckerberg in Oscar-winning 2010 film The Social Network

Altruistic Living Donor – what does it mean?

An altruistic or non-directed kidney donor is a person who wishes to donate a kidney to a person with advanced kidney disease, who he or she does not know. Many non-directed donors do not know anyone personally who is in need of a kidney transplant.

On many occasions, a donor who has come forward to donate to a family member or friend was unable to do so because another donor was available or the recipient was unable to receive a transplant for medical reasons. These individuals often continue to consider kidney donation and come forward as non-directed donors.

– A potential donor must be over 18 years old, in good health and willing to donate.

– An integral part of the donor workup is consultation with members of the Transplant Team, including a transplant coordinator, social worker and nephrologist as well as a donor advocate.

– A potential donor can expect to have testing performed such as compatibility testing, blood work, urine testing, EKG, chest x-ray, and a renal CT scan.

– Medical expenses related to evaluation, hospitalization and immediate follow-up care are covered under the recipient’s insurance.

-Most donor surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic technique which takes about two hours. Surgery is followed by a two-day hospital stay and a recovery period of two to three weeks.

Source: RWJ Barnabas Health

Then the idea got back in his head recently while spending time with a friend who is a doctor who directed him to NYU Langone Health in New York City as an option.

Eisenberg explained to TODAY.com: ‘I was in the hospital the next day and went through a battery of tests, and I’m now scheduled in mid-December.’

As many people who are in the process of donating their kidneys will no doubt be worried if an issue arises where someone in their family would need one, Eisenberg revealed a solution.

He said: ‘The way it works now is you can put a list of whoever you would like to be the first to be at the top of the list.’

The star is referring to the National Kidney Foundation’s family voucher program and said that he has put his family members on his list so they will have priority for a living kidney donation should they ever need one.

Eisenberg said: ‘So it’s risk-free for my family, as well.’

His next project completes the trilogy of the Now You See Me heist film franchise as he will reunite with Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Morgan Freeman.

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is set for release on November 14.