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
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.