Ever since he was a little boy, Colton Lowe has looked up to his father.

His dad, Edward Lowe, taught him everything he knows about cars. It’s a hobby they both share to this day.

In February, the 23-year-old learned his best friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver failure.

Colton wanted to be a donor, but the doctors said his body mass index, or BMI, had to be 32 at the most to be a viable donor candidate. Colton breathed a sigh of relief, his is 30.

He was relieved because last year, he would have far exceeded that BMI number.

In April of 2021, Colton weighed 478 pounds. He decided to undergo weight loss surgery after spending months fixing up a hot rod with his dad. He’s lost nearly 300 pounds in the last year. His doctors said Colton initially made the decision for himself.

Dr. Jason Balette, a weight loss surgeon said Colton “was looking for longevity to make his life healthier and put himself in a better position. As the story was unfolding and being told, it quickly evolved for him to helping someone else – his father.” 

A few days before Father’s Day, the Lowe family learned a perfect match was found for Edward, so he may be undergoing a liver transplant soon. If that procedure falls through, Colton is on standby to donate part of his liver as a living donor for his father.