I have... 2 brothers, Allan & Peter... 10 years ago Peter was very ill with renal failure... he was on dyalisis but looked as if he was losing the battle. Allan offered a kidney... he got in first... I said I could be a second option if Allan's wasn't OK. I was very nervous of the implications, I had 3 young children and would need time in hospital and further time off work... quite apart form the fear of my remaining kidney failing... but Peter was dying. I hoped Allans would be OK!! Allan had tests... they were said to have a 'reasonable match' but despite lots of pushing on Allan's part nothing happened... until one day we got the news ... Peter had had a transplant from a donor who had been killed in a road accident and the match was perfect! Peter's operation was on New Years eve... at a time of year when families should be enjoying each other's company one family had been touched by tragedy and had made a gift which saved my brother's life.
Allan is a cynic but he believes to this day that the reason his offer wasn't accepted was because he would have needed to be cared for whereas a deceased donor does not...so this option is therefore cheaper!
Peter's new kidney gave him health for 5 years... sadly he has since died of a heart attack.
Good luck Pat... let us know how you get on. J.