This Daughter Donated A Kidney To Save Her Dying Dad. Then After The Surgery Her Tears Said It All

In a deeply moving story of love and sacrifice, 25-year-old nurse Delayne Ivanowski from Kirkwood, Missouri, secretly donated her kidney to her ailing father, John Ivanowski, despite his initial refusal. John, diagnosed with IgA nephropathy—a condition where the immune system attacks the kidneys—had been enduring grueling dialysis sessions four times a week, each lasting several hours. Determined to improve her father’s quality of life, Delayne embarked on an eight-month journey to become his donor without his knowledge.

“I told her, ‘I’m not taking your kidney,'” John recalled, emphasizing his concern for his daughter’s well-being. Undeterred, Delayne coordinated with medical professionals in secret, undergoing numerous tests and evaluations to ensure compatibility. Her dedication culminated in a successful transplant surgery on February 16, 2023, during which John remained unaware of his donor’s identity.

The day after the operation, Delayne entered her father’s hospital room, revealing the truth. Overwhelmed with emotion, John exclaimed, “Oh my God, are you kidding me?” Tears streamed down his face as he grasped the magnitude of his daughter’s selfless act. “I can’t stop crying,” he admitted, deeply moved by her gesture.

Delayne shared the poignant moment on TikTok, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. Her video not only highlighted the profound bond between father and daughter but also raised awareness about the importance of organ donation. In the caption, she appealed to her followers: “If 6,000 people Venmoed me $1, I could cover the cost for my kidney transplant to my dad.” The video garnered over 4.5 million views, and a subsequent GoFundMe campaign raised more than $11,000 to assist with medical expenses.

Today, John no longer requires dialysis and is on the path to recovery, thanks to his daughter’s unwavering determination and love. Their story serves as a testament to the extraordinary lengths one will go to for family, reminding us all of the power of selflessness and devotion.