Matching scars: Liver donor, recipient meet face-to-face for the first time since transplant
It was an emotional reunion in Edmonton, Alta., Tuesday when a Calgary woman came face-to-face with the co-worker who donated part of his liver to save her life.
“It’s been one month since I’ve seen this face,” said Karla Frisko in a Facebook post, which included photos of her hugging Scott Watson, and a side-by-side picture of their surgical scars.
“To say I’m grateful is an understatement. We have matching scars to forever remind us of the bond we now share,” wrote Frisko, who is the sister of CTV Atlantic anchor and reporter Bruce Frisko.
“Recovery has not been easy for either of us, but it was hard not to smile/tear up when he walked into the room.”
Thousands have been following their story for more than a month.
Diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis -- a rare condition that causes a narrowing of the bile ducts -- 46-year-old Frisko was told a liver transplant was the only remedy.
She had been on the list since July 2021, but was ineligible for an organ from a deceased donor because her case wasn’t considered enough of a priority.
Friends and family were screened under Alberta’s Living Liver Donation Program, but most were ruled out.
Disheartened, Frisko mentioned the situation during a work call that included Watson, a relatively new employee at Sun Life Financial, where they are both employed.
The conversation changed both of their lives.
"Karla just made a huge impression on me when she told me her story," Watson told CTV News Calgary on April 29.
"I had this overwhelming feeling when we were talking that I should go and get tested.”
Karla Frisko and Scott Watson embrace as they meet face-to-face for the first time since the procedure. (Submitted: Della Tarr)
Karla Frisko and Scott Watson embrace as they meet face-to-face for the first time since the procedure. (Submitted: Della Tarr)
Watson was a match and the combined 18-hour surgeries were performed on May 2.
The 40-year-old Watson, who grew up in Halifax, has been posting about his journey on Instagram.
“Seeing Karla today was like seeing a long-lost friend for the first time in years,” he told CTV News Wednesday via text, adding that he remains sore and is frequently tired.
He was cleared to go home to Calgary on May 14.
Frisko remains in Edmonton, where surgeons and specialists continue to monitor her recovery and manage complications.
Watson said the reunion was another memorable aspect to their story.
“The emotions were overwhelming, but the connection we have now is undeniable.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.