SOUTH KEYS — It started with the social media call to action: #NoKidneying. This trend started when influencer Strawberry Fields (30) discovered she had two kidneys.
“I told my doctor that I couldn’t afford to drink as much as I needed. He suggested the only way I would be able to get really wasted on my budget is if I had one kidney.” After learning that she could donate her other kidney instead of just throwing it away, Fields opted to take the news online to her followers, so they could take full advantage of this life hack.
The trend exploded on Instagram and TikTok, taking kidney donation statistics to their all-time, world-wide high. This reporter reached out to local surgeon Dr. Diane Kleaver (56) about the impact of this campaign at South Keys General Hospital. “We can’t take more kidney donations,” said Kleaver, “Please stop, really. We had to sell the last batch to the local SPCA.” 
For some people, the goal is not just about having a lower tolerance for alcohol to ease their financial burden. Many donors on social media have talked about the highs and lows of the altruism this decision entails. “I thought that I could give back to society and exercise my inner Good Samaritan,” said Owen Forward (32), “But I have to admit, I got instant aftergret. I was asking what is actually in it for me — I didn’t even get a ‘thank you’ from the person I donated to.”
However, these posts haven’t deterred many and donations continue to roll-in. “I had fun. Would do again,” said Kelly Waxed (27), “I’m thinking of how to trend hearts next, but it’s hard to build a following that lasts long enough.”
Meanwhile, blood bank donations have hit a record low since the #NoKidneying campaign started. “It’s fair game,” said Dr. Kleaver, “They’ve got better social.”
