Renal transplantation in end-stage renal disease is an accepted medical procedure but the source and origin of the grafted organ (living donor vs. cadaveric kidney) remain controversial. The results of questionnaires and interviews of a large number of donors is presented. None saw themselves as significantly harmed and the act of donorship was a very positive and highly valued experience. These donors'' opinions and attitudes and their relatively unconflicted conduct are in sharp contrast with the agonizing appraisal of many transplant teams. Team doctors must weight and balance risks and advantages of such an intervention and must also be the advocate of both the donor and the recipient.