Jesse Eisenberg to Give Kidney to Stranger, Reason Behind Decision Raises Eyebrows
Jesse Eisenberg is taking his generosity to a whole new level. The actor, best known for roles in The Social Network and Now You See Me, revealed on the TODAY show on October 30 that he will be donating one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.
“I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am,” Eisenberg said during the live interview.
“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,” he told TODAY.
He added in a separate interview with TODAY.com, “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.”
Eisenberg explained how the kidney donation process works. “Let’s say person X needs a kidney in Kansas City, their child or whoever was going to donate to them is, for whatever set of reasons, not a match, but somehow I am,” he said.
“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.”
The idea first came to Eisenberg about ten years ago when he contacted an organization about donating, but he never heard back. Recently, after talking with a doctor friend, he was referred to NYU Langone Health in New York City. “I was in the hospital the next day and went through a battery of tests, and I’m now scheduled in mid-December,” he said. He also explained that the National Kidney Registry allows him to prioritize family members in case they ever need a living kidney donation. “So it’s risk-free for my family, as well,” he said.
Eisenberg’s history of giving extends beyond this act. He has long been a blood donor and spoke about it with humor during the TODAY interview. “I just have so much blood in me, and I feel like I should spill it. I really like doing it, and I don’t know why,” he joked.
This story shows a remarkable act of kindness from a Hollywood star, demonstrating how one person can make a real difference in someone else’s life.
Eisenberg’s willingness to donate a kidney to a stranger is inspiring and shows that acts of generosity can come from anyone. What do you think about his decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.
