Figure 1.

Thematic schema. Living kidney donors were emotionally invested in the donation, which sustained their commitment throughout the evaluation process, despite underlying fears and uncertainty about their health, difficulty navigating the transplant process, and increasing interference with their work and lifestyle. Their desire to help the recipient and improve their own lifestyle also led them to view low risks as a worthwhile gamble. Emotional support and medical confidence reassured donors of their safety, helped them resolve ambivalence, and helped them prepare for their recovery and possible disappointment. Difficulties navigating the hospital system to access information and psychosocial services and speed up the process left some participants feeling unprepared, with unaddressed concerns. Their desperation to protect their eligibility prevented donors from seeking support and disclosing their apprehensions.