While people die waiting for a kidney transplant, a new report says thousands of kidneys that could be used for transplantation are being discarded.
A report in the New York Times shows more than 2,600 kidneys nationwide are recovered from deceased donors each year and then discarded without being transplanted. The report said more than 4,700 people in the United States died while waiting for kidney transplants last year.
The report puts the blame on an outdated computer matching system, too much government oversight and doctors relying too often on inconclusive tests.
Elmira Williams of Bucksport is among those waiting every day for a kidney donor to be found, while knowing that an organ that may have been able to save her life has simply been thrown away as medical waste.
For the past two years, Williams has been getting dialysis treatments three times a week.
Her family members have undergone testing, but none have been a proper match.
"I just wish something would come through for me," Williams said.
Williams said kidneys being discarded isn't right, when people are dying waiting for a transplant.
"I think that's awful when so many people need it."
Williams' daughter is more outspoken.
"I feel disgusted. Knowing that that kidney they threw away could have saved her life and having me lose my mom because of something of that, it would destroy me," said Mable Williams.
The daughter said it's been depressing watching her mother's health deteriorate. Mable Williams said if usable kidneys are being thrown out - even just one - something in the system has to change.
"Whatever reason it is, I'm pretty sure we can overcome it. It's something that can be rectified."
Elmira Williams remains optimistic. She said she's far from giving up.
"I believe, I'm keeping the faith, praying that the Lord will send something one day soon."
The New York Times report says experts believe a significant number of discarded kidneys - maybe up to half of them - could have been transplanted, if there was just a better system of matching the right organ to the right recipient in the right amount of time.
