Yaredly Hernandez
- Donor Search Expert Coach
- Kidney Recipient
Yaredly Hernandez received a kidney transplant through her cousin, Kiara Hernandez, in November 2013, when Kiara selflessly became her living kidney donor. Yaredly’s journey with kidney disease began at age 11, when she was diagnosed with proliferative glomerulonephritis, a condition that led to high blood pressure and eventually kidney failure at age 22. After nearly a year of hemodialysis, her cousin Kiara visited from Puerto Rico to learn about Yaredly’s condition and educate herself on living kidney donation. She ultimately was found to be the best match for Yaredly. Their life-saving transplant on November 13, 2013, marked not only a renewal of health for Yaredly but also a beautiful family bond, captured in the award-winning documentary Angels with Shoes by South Florida filmmaker Dan Perez. This powerful documentary tells their story of unconditional love and the profound impact of living kidney donation.
Each year, Yaredly, Kiara, and their family celebrate their “kidneyversary” on World Kindness Day (November 13) by visiting local dialysis clinics to give patients hope and thank nurses for their dedicated care. Since her transplant, Yaredly has passionately promoted living kidney donation and kidney health. In 2024, she joined the National Kidney Registry as a Donor Search Expert Coach, expanding her efforts by helping individuals in need of a kidney transplant find living donors and connect with a community of kidney recipients and donors. Her cousin Kiara continues to thrive in Puerto Rico, staying active as a young entrepreneur in the advertising field and enjoying travel and diverse cuisines.
Yaredly’s transplant gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to complete a bachelor’s degree in public administration at Florida International University. She also began her career with the city of Miami shortly after her transplant, dedicating over a decade to the community in health and human services, where she developed programs to enhance well-being and quality of life. Yaredly also leads Eco Axion Initiatives, a nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability and public health. Through Eco Axion, she has co-developed programs like Ready, Set, Grow! and The Happy Seeds Project, which introduces gardening, sustainability, and healthy food education to communities across Miami, increasing access to fresh food and environmental awareness.
Yaredly is an advocate for health and environmental sustainability and a passionate supporter of the arts, channeling her creativity into projects that blend art and community-building to create lasting, positive change. Originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, she enjoys sailing, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family. In September 2024, she and her husband welcomed a healthy baby girl—a beautiful reminder that living kidney donation is a gift that keeps on giving. Yaredly’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of living kidney donation—a transformative experience that brings renewed health, deepened bonds, and lasting hope to both recipients and donors.