Kim Watt, a dedicated emergency room worker from Latrobe, Pa., faced an unexpected battle with liver disease after years of symptom-free metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
As her condition worsened, she was placed on the transplant waiting list at UPMC, where she worried about how long she would have to wait for a donor. Just before the holidays in December 2023, she received a life-changing call – an anonymous living donor had stepped forward.
In February 2024, Kim underwent a successful liver transplant, giving her a new lease on life.
Before Transplant
Kim has always been an active person who loves the outdoors and spending time with her family. She had lived with MASH for years without symptoms. However, in February 2023, her health took a sudden turn. Severe abdominal swelling led her to seek medical care in Greensburg, Pa., where doctors drained fluid and diagnosed her with liver disease.
She sought further evaluation from a specialist in Morgantown, W.Va. After extensive testing, the physician determined that she would need a liver transplant — a procedure the specialist’s hospital did not perform. As a result, she was referred to UPMC, setting her transplant journey into motion.
Joining the Waiting List
By the end of June 2023, Kim had undergone her initial transplant evaluations at UPMC. Her model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score started at 17 and never rose above 19, but her health was steadily declining. MELD scores are used to assess the severity of liver disease and prioritize patients for liver transplantation. Higher MELD scores are prioritized over lower ones.
Kim continued working long 12-hour shifts in the ER, unaware of how sick she truly was.
A week of intensive testing followed. Shortly after the tests were complete, her transplant coordinator called with news – she was now on the transplant waiting list. While relieved, Kim worried about how long she would have to wait. Her family and friends searched tirelessly for a living donor, but none were matches.
Then, on Dec. 22, 2023, she received an unexpected call from UPMC. A young woman had stepped forward to donate part of her liver. The donor’s father also needed a liver transplant, but she was not a match for him. In a selfless act of kindness, she decided to pay it forward by donating to a stranger.
“That day forever changed my life.”
Journey to Surgery
In the weeks leading up to her transplant, Kim experienced a mix of emotions. She was deeply grateful but also worried about the donor’s well-being. Knowing that her transplant was happening sooner than she had expected was a relief, but Kim still felt some fear.
“I was worried and excited," she explains. "It’s not just you; it’s someone else who's unknown to you that’s going to help, so you want to both live a good life.”
Her surgery was scheduled for Feb. 12, 2024, her oldest daughter’s birthday. Early that morning, Kim arrived at UPMC Montefiore with her husband, daughters, and sister. Before heading into surgery, they all prayed together. As she was wheeled into the operating room, she was awestruck by its immense size.
A New Beginning
Kim’s surgery lasted 12 hours. One of her biggest fears was waking up intubated, but fortunately, that was not necessary. She spent just one day in the intensive care unit after her surgery.
Her doctors later told her family that her liver was so diseased that she probably would not have survived much longer, a revelation that shocked everyone since her MELD score had not reflected the severity of her condition.
Recovery was challenging, but Kim progressed well. She was hospitalized for only five days before being discharged. However, she was hesitant to go home, so she and her husband stayed in Pittsburgh for the weekend. Her follow-up appointment on Monday confirmed she was healing well and should feel comfortable going back home.
Life After Transplant
Adjusting to normal life again took time. By May 2024, she had returned to work full-time but reduced her shifts per month. Muscle loss was a challenge post-surgery, but she focused on regaining strength, and her overall health vastly improved.
For the first time in years, she no longer suffered from chronic fatigue. She was able to return to the outdoor activities she loved, including gardening, though she now takes extra precautions, like wearing gloves and a mask. Despite adjustments, she regained her quality of life and found happiness again.
Gratitude Beyond Words
Kim struggles to find words that fully express her gratitude to her donor.
To her, she is an angel, a true hero who willingly endured pain and recovery to save the life of a stranger. Her generosity gave Kim a second chance at life, and she is forever grateful.
For those awaiting a transplant, Kim offers simple advice.
“Never give up hope. Even those lower on the transplant list can receive that life-changing call when they least expect it.”
Kim’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
