Daughter Donates Kidney to Save Dad's Life. After Surgery, She Cries Moment She Sees Him
Hailee has always shared a connection with her father, John Stender. That connection between this father and daughter is what led her to make a decision that would only intensify their bond.
Two years ago, Stender was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. Doctors estimated that he had two years to live.
His life with kidney failure included dialysis three days a week. His name sat on the transplant list while his health declined.
Kidney donation was his only chance at survival. Hailee, 30, is his only biological daughter.
Stender never asked his daughter for her kidney. Hailee knew, however, that she wanted to get tested to see if she was a match.
“I did it for him, but I did it for the family, too. I want him to be here,” Hailee explained to Inside Edition.
She could not imagine life without her dad being there to walk her down the aisle or spend time with grandchildren. Hailee was indeed a match, and there was no debate in her mind as to how she wanted to proceed.
She and her dad had a “real, raw, emotional conversation.” Hailee made it clear that giving her kidney was a matter of when and not if.
On March 12, both surgeries took place at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. Hailee knew that losing an organ through major surgery would be painful and require plenty of recovery time.
When they both woke up and were able to see each other for the first time post-surgery, the tears in Hailee’s eyes told Stender everything. He knew his daughter believed the outcome was worth the pain.
His color was better. He seemed healthier and more engaged with life than he had been for a long time just days after receiving the new kidney.
According to the Mirror, Hailee said, “I’m connected to my dad with more than just by blood now. A part of me will always be with him.”
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