Heartwarming Surprise: Man Discovers Kidney Donor is His Daughter

Two years ago, John Ivanovsky was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that threatened kidney failure. Due to his condition, John was tethered to a dialysis machine four days a week, with each session lasting four to five hours.

John was placed on the waiting list for a kidney donation, and recently was thrilled to learn that a donor match had been found, though the donor wished to remain anonymous.

Following the surgery, which took place about two weeks ago, John wanted to meet his donor at the hospital. Patiently waiting in his room, he couldn’t imagine that the person walking through the door would be his own daughter, Delaina, who had made the decision to donate her kidney without his knowledge. "I knew I was going to do it, and I didn’t care how mad he’d get at me. It didn’t matter if he kicked me out or hated me forever, or never spoke to me again. At least he’d have a chance at a good life and wouldn’t be stuck to that machine. He loves walking my dog and running, and he wants to keep doing those things, but is tied to the machine most of the time. I don’t think anyone should live that way," Delaina explained in a local TV interview.

According to John’s doctor, Dr. Jason Wollen, Director of Kidney and Pancreas Transplants at the University of Washington’s University Hospital, "Without his daughter's generous and courageous donation, John Ivanovsky might have remained on the kidney donation waiting list for many more years, given the high demand. I'm glad his case concluded differently."

Watch the emotional reveal: