Daughter Donates Her Kidney To Her Ailing Father Who Said Not To After Finding Out They Matched For Transplant

Mar 02, 2023 by apost team

As heartbreaking as it may seem, there are times when people need to make big sacrifices for their loved ones. Of course, it would vary depending on the situation. But sometimes, it’s the only way to do it.

Parents, for one, would do anything for their children but expect nothing in return – just simply knowing their children already make them happy. Moreso, parents would never let their children put themselves under such circumstances wherein they would need to make big sacrifices like donating their organs. But there are times when children face the dilemma of either doing the best thing or the only thing. And just like parents, children would also do anything for their parents – even if it means sacrificing one-half of their kidneys. That’s exactly what a girl from Kirkwood, Missouri did for his dad to save his life.

In February 2023, a story about a daughter named Delayne Ivanowski, who gave her dad, John Ivanowski, the best gift an ailing father could ever receive inspired a lot of people.

For years, John battled with kidney issues. When he initially found out he started having kidney failure following a series of laboratory tests, he was in denial about it. Delayne described her dad as being “stubborn” about it. But when they finally confirmed his condition, Delayne knew her father would eventually be getting a kidney transplant.

“Months went by. His labs slowly dropping, dropping, dropping. He became super lethargic and sick. My mom, Paula, and I told him he needed to go get another lab draw ASAP to check his levels,” Delayne wrote.

Following John’s lab tests, John’s doctor told him he only had about two months left to live and that he needed to undergo dialysis treatment right away. 

So, John underwent dialysis for three to four hours a day for about three days a week.

While John was undergoing dialysis, Delayne was busy looking for kidney donors. But what John didn’t know was Delayne also underwent testing. To her surprise, Delayne and her dad were a match!

The surgery was supposed to take place in November 2022, but John fell out of a tree. So, the surgery had to be postponed as he broke both his heel bones and his L2 vertebrae. 

Luckily, they were able to set up another date for the transplant, which took place at the Washington University & Barnes-Jewish Transplant Center on Feb. 16, 2023.

When John found out about his daughter’s plans, he told her he wasn’t going to let her do it.

"I told her, I'm not taking your kidney,'" John told ABC News. "I told her that flat out,” he added.

But Delayne knew she needed to do whatever it took to save her dad’s life. She said she just wanted to repay her parents for the sacrifices they have made for her over the last two decades and a half.

“As their daughter, I know how much they have sacrificed for me in my 25 years of living and it is in my heart to want to do everything in my power to help them through this stressful time,” Delayne said.

Meanwhile, John couldn’t be more thankful to his daughter for what she has done for him. While he was initially upset over his daughter’s decision, he said that feeling has since subsided. "I wouldn't change a thing. I feel so much better,” John said.

Since starting a GoFundMe fundraiser in February 2023, they have raised over $13,000 to cover the costs of their medical bills.

apost.com

What can you say about the sacrifice Delayne has made for her father? Would you do the same thing for your loved one? Let us know what you think, and pass this on to people who might relate to this story!