A son saved his father's life by donating part of his liver just days before Father's Day.
Father-of-three Richard Pustorino, 55, from Garden City, New York, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a severe inflammatory bowel condition, when he was 19 years old.
Many years later, he developed a related condition that severely damaged his liver and left him in need of a life-saving liver transplant.
All three of his sons were tested but only one, Tom, 26, was a perfect match, reported News 12 Long Island.
After much resistance, Richard agreed to let Tom be his donor, and the two spent Father's Day recovering together in the hospital.
Richard Pustorino, 55, from Garden City, New York, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a severe inflammatory bowel condition, at age 19. Pictured: Richard, left, and Tom together in the hospital
Years later, Richard developed a related condition that damaged his liver and left him in need of a liver transplant. Pictured: Tom (in black blazer) with friends
Richard was diagnosed nearly four decades ago with Crohn's disease, a chronic bowel disease that inflames the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea and blood in the stool.
The symptoms often occur without warning and requires sufferers to find the nearest restroom as soon as possible.
Those with Crohn’s disease can experience complications not related to the digestive tract, including liver disease and liver inflammation.
Richard developed liver
