Iowa father with late-stage cancer receives liver transplant from unexpected donor
Kyler Hess, a father of four, is grappling with stage 4 colorectal cancer. His doctors indicated that a liver from a living donor could present him with a chance for a cure. Then, out of the blue, a donor emerged.
In Polk City, Iowa, simple moments like tossing a football in the yard hold immense value for Kyler Hess as he faces his battle with cancer.
“When we were discussing the odds, my wife immediately said no way. We’re not going to let that weigh on his mind,” Kyler shared.
His wife, Emilie, noted that since Kyler’s diagnosis in July 2025, the family has worked hard to keep a positive perspective.
“We didn’t want to become just another statistic. We thought, let’s create our own narrative and see how it unfolds,” Emilie reflected.
A CT scan showed cancer had metastasized to Kyler’s liver, revealing over 15 tumors. Doctors in Des Moines indicated limited options, prompting the family to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
“After a few months of different treatments and nutritional changes, we started to see progress; things began to shrink,” Kyler recalled.
With the cancer somewhat under control, Mayo doctors informed Kyler that he was eligible for a liver transplant, which needed to come from a living donor. As it turns out, the liver consists of two lobes, and one can actually grow back in another person.
Kyler’s brother underwent extensive tests but was ultimately unable to proceed due to his liver anatomy.
“I felt really bad for them, but that’s when I thought, maybe this is meant to be for me,” Abby Conley expressed.
Abby, who didn’t know Kyler personally, had been following his story online, as their children attend the same school in Polk City. She made the decision to go to Mayo Clinic, where she underwent three days of thorough tests to see if her liver would be compatible. Her motivation stemmed from her father’s experience; he passed away in 2021 while waiting for a bone marrow transplant due to leukemia.
Now, Abby hopes that her donation will grant Kyler more time with his kids.
“I want to watch my kids graduate, walk my daughter down the aisle, and be part of all those significant moments in their lives. I realized I needed this piece, something I can’t achieve alone,” Kyler said.
If you’re interested in becoming an organ or tissue donor, you can visit the Iowa Donor Network’s website.
You can also extend your support to the Hess family through their fundraising effort.
