Pittsburgh-area doctor donates part of her liver to coworker's mother

A doctor in the Pittsburgh area donated about two-thirds of her liver to her coworker's mother, who received the transplant on Aug. 11 and is reported to be recovering; both donor and recipient are said to be doing well.

Dr. Brianna Bayer donated part of her liver to Jaylynne Kemerly, a New Kensington woman who needed a transplant. Kemerly was diagnosed with a liver disease in 2007 and had experienced worsening symptoms and frequent hospital care. After no family members matched, Bayer — a coworker of Kemerly’s daughter at an AHN facility in Cheswick — stepped forward to be tested. The transplant took place on Aug. 11 at Allegheny General Hospital. Key details: - Jaylynne Kemerly was diagnosed in 2007 with a liver disease and in recent years faced increased pain, iron and blood transfusions, and stomach bleeding. - Dr. Brianna Bayer matched as a living donor after Kemerly found no family matches. Bayer works at an AHN facility in Cheswick and has four children. - Surgeons performed the transplant on Aug. 11 at Allegheny General Hospital and removed about two-thirds of Bayer's liver for the procedure. - Kemerly had a bout with cancer before receiving the transplant, as reported. - More than six months after the surgery, both women are reported to be doing well; Kemerly's body accepted the transplant and Bayer's liver has regrown. Summary: The living donation allowed Kemerly to receive a transplant and both donor and recipient are reported to be recovering. Undetermined at this time.