They Met 10 Years Ago When Her Son Needed an Organ Transplant. Now the Grieving Father Who Donated His Son's Pancreas Is Getting a Gift From Her in Return.

Almost 10 years ago, Bill Millard and his wife lost their 20-year-old son in an accident, and as they grieved, they made the decision to donate his organs. Now, the family who received one of these organs is getting a chance to do the same in return.

Janice McKinnon, the mother of Jake McKinnon who received a pancreas from Millard's son, is stepping up to donate a kidney to Millard after he spent more than three years on dialysis as a result kidney failure from having diabetes, according to KPIX-TV.

Bill Millard (left) received a kidney from Janice McKinnon (right) Friday. Millard donated one of his deceased son's organs to McKinnon's son 10 years ago. (Image source: KPIX-TV)

After her son received a transplant, the two families from California stayed in touch and became friends. The transplant that will free Millard from dialysis treatment occurred Friday.

“It’s hard for me to wrap my head around it, because 10 years ago we donated my son’s organs and that is actually saving my life now,” Millard told KPIX.

Watch the news station's report about the touching story:

Dr. Janet Bellingham, a transplant surgeon, said she has "never heard of this before," but thinks it's "an extraordinary way to give back a gift that you have received."