SCOTTSDALE, AZ (CBS5) -
Kathy Hunt of Young, AZ, needed a liver transplant.
Her husband, Jeff Hunt, wanted to be her donor.
But while going through a series of standard pre-surgery tests at the Mayo Clinic, it was discovered for the first time that Jeff had the early stages of kidney cancer, for which he's currently being treated.
Years ago, Jeff Hunt saved the life of their son, Jake, by administering CPR. They had been horseback riding when Jake was struck by lightning.
So who donated the liver that ultimately helped save Kathy Hunt's life?
You guessed it - it was her son, Jake.
"He's at the top of my hero chart for sure," said Kathy Hunt.
"It's brought us really close together; It feels pretty good to give life," added Jake Hunt.
Kathy Hunt said the experience has underscored the importance of donating blood, as doctors told her 10 liters of blood are required for a liver transplant, versus two liters needed for a heart transplant.
As far as the procedure, the Mayo Clinic said they take about 60 percent of the donor's liver and implant it into the recipient. The liver, in both people, will ultimately regenerate to its normal size and is the only solid organ in the human body to do that.
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Hunt family at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
