It Felt Like God Had Placed Me in the Right Position at the Right Time: Iralee Ferreras’s Kidney Donation Journey

There are moments in life that remind you that some things are simply meant to be.

I had the incredible honor of donating a kidney to my sister-in-law. About a month or two into my relationship with my partner, I found out that her sister was in kidney failure. She had been on dialysis and waiting for a kidney transplant for two years.

Some other family members had gotten tested, but they were either eliminated or weren’t a match. She put up a social post that said she was O positive, and I knew I was O positive too, so I figured, why not get tested? You never know.

Within about two weeks, I found out I was a genetic match—something I never expected in my wildest dreams. In that moment, everything just made sense. It felt like God had placed me in the right position at the right time to give someone I love a second chance at life.

At the time, I was getting ready to propose to my partner. When I proposed, I also told her that I was a match for her sister. She was very happy and incredibly grateful. It just felt like it was meant to be.

The entire process with the NYU team was amazing. They supported me, answered every question, and made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. What started as simply wanting to see if I could help someone became one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences I have ever gone through.

The first week after surgery was a little tough, but after that, it was beautiful. The surgeon told me that my sister-in-law accepted my kidney immediately. She was able to use the bathroom right away. It was amazing to watch what my kidney was able to do for her. It was such a rewarding feeling.

She was only 31 and had spent two years on dialysis. She was really losing hope. For me to be able to give her that hope was an amazing feeling.

I started thinking, why don’t more people do this? The pain wasn’t that bad, the procedure was quick, and I have just a small scar. My surgery was on September 8, 2026. By two weeks later, I felt back to normal and was doing all my normal activities.

I didn’t lose a kidney—I gained a deeper understanding of love, family, strength, and the incredible gift of giving someone hope. Knowing that my sister-in-law can have the opportunity to live her life without dialysis is something I will carry in my heart forever. If I had to make the decision all over again, I would choose her every single time.

I also know that I would have donated on her behalf even if I hadn’t been a match for her. If someone wants to donate to help a family member or even someone they don’t know, I would encourage them to at least get tested and see if they can help.

Before this experience, no one close to me had dealt with kidney disease, so I wasn’t really educated about living donation. Going through this has opened my eyes, and a lot of people’s eyes, too. I posted about my experience and so many people have reached out to tell me they’re considering getting tested themselves.

Sometimes, it just takes talking about it.

About the Author

Iralee Ferreras is a Bronx-born Dominican woman who came from humble beginnings but was raised with something far more valuable than money: love, strength, and purpose.

She was raised by a strong single mother from Licey al Medio, Dominican Republic, who taught her that no matter how much or how little you have, you can always give love. She grew up surrounded by resilience, culture, family, and—most importantly—love. Those values have shaped the woman she is today.

Her journey has always been rooted in helping others. That passion led her to create her own nonprofit, Love Me Now, an organization centered around mental health awareness, support, and reminding people that they deserve to feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. She believes that sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.

Alongside her work in mental health, she has built a career in hospitality, an industry that has given her another way to connect with people. Her love for hospitality began at a young age through her experience in culinary school, where she discovered not only a passion for food but also the joy that comes from creating experiences and bringing people together around a table.

Everything she does is connected by one purpose: to serve, to love, and to make a difference. Whether she’s advocating for mental health, creating through food, or making someone feel welcomed through hospitality, she carries with her the lessons her mother taught her—to lead with love, remain humble, and always be there for others.