When life takes a sudden U-turn from what you expect it to do, it’s hard to find hope.
But for one Ohio man, little did he know that the miracle he needed would come from the unlikeliest of places – his own family.
Jon Montgomery tragically found himself on the waiting list for both a liver and a kidney transplant. But this Thanksgiving, the family has a lot to be thankful for, as Jon’s two sons, Jonathan and Christopher, selflessly stepped up to become living donors, giving their father a second chance at life.
“I’m always thanking them,” expressed the proud dad, 55, as he reflected on the incredible gift his sons gave him.
It’s just an unbelievable blessing.”
Two years ago, the Montgomerys received the devastating news that Jon’s liver and kidney were failing. The once-vibrant man experienced a drastic weight loss of 75 pounds, leaving the family in panic. Jon, who owns a dental laboratory, recalled, “How do you survive two organs failing? It was just a terrible time.”
Jon Montgomery and sons Christopher and Jonathan. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery family
As Jon’s health continued to decline, he was placed on the deceased donor transplant list. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when the family learned about the possibility of a living donor transplant. Without hesitation, Jonathan, a 25-year-old PhD student in biochemistry, volunteered to donate a portion of his liver, while Christopher, a 24-year-old dental student, offered to give his dad a kidney.
Both brothers emphasize that their decision to become donors was entirely voluntary. “There was no question,” Christopher said. “I want to keep him around as long as I can … I want him to know my children. I couldn’t imagine life without him.”
On Aug. 1, the life-saving double transplant took place at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Abhinav Humar, Chief of Transplantation at the medical center, commended the Montgomery family, stating, “They’re a very remarkable family. A very close-knit family where the sons are obviously willing to do anything for their father.”
The post-transplant period was marked by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Montgomery, still at a loss for words, could only express his feelings through embraces.
All I could do was just hug them,” he said.
“My two boys, they sacrificed so much to do this for me, but two weeks later, three weeks later, they’re living their lives again,” added Jon, going on to praise their “amazing gift.”
Jon Montgomery with wife Amy and their children. Photo courtesy of the Montgomery family
For the Montgomery brothers, the sacrifice was a small price to pay for the joy of seeing their father healthy again. Jonathan shared, “My dad’s one of my best friends. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure he’s okay, because I know he would do the same for us.”
Both brothers are now urging others to consider becoming living donors, emphasizing the transformative impact it can have on someone’s life. “You took a couple weeks out of your life to change somebody else’s? It’s worth it every time,” Jonathan said.
Reflecting on the period before the transplant, he added, “Before we knew that we were able to donate, things were very bleak. We were scared, we didn’t know what was going to happen.”
“Since the surgery, when I look at my dad and I can see the smile on his face, it’s so genuine. You can tell that he is just so happy now,” Jonathan said. “He’s back.”
The Montgomery’s’ story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of familial love. In the face of adversity, Jonathan and Christopher stepped up to offer an “amazing gift” that not only saved their father’s life but have pushed to convince others to step up and help someone in need.
