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As of December 26, 2006, there are approximately 69,604 individuals waiting
for a kidney transplant in the United States. Kidneys are in the highest demand,
comprising nearly two-thirds of the organ transplant waiting list.
In 2005, 14,495 kidney transplants were performed with approximately 6,902
coming from living donors.
The first kidney transplant was performed in 1954.
Up to 80 percent of people who receive a kidney transplant will be alive
after five years. 54 percent will be alive after ten years. Rates improve if the
kidney comes from a living relative. Most people who receive a kidney transplant
are between the ages of 15 and 50.
Approximately 77 people receive an organ transplant each day – however
another 17 people on the waiting list die because there are not enough organs
available.
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