CT Mom Gets Liver Transplant From Son After Fatal Bristol Accident

A Harwinton woman who has been gravely ill and awaiting a liver donation just got a transplant from her late son, who tragically died earlier this month in an accident.

Jamison Clegg, 36, of Torrington, was struck by a vehicle in Bristol on March 9. Emergency personnel rushed him to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, but he later died due to his injuries.

His mother, Chris Clegg, had recently found out her son was a match, according to her longtime work colleague and friend, Penny Phillips.

While liver donation is possible with a live donor, in this case, doctors used her late son’s liver. Chris Clegg got the transplant surgery on Friday and is now recovering at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, according to Phillips.

Phillips, who is marketing and communications director for Favarh - The Arc of the Farmington Valley, Inc. in Canton, has worked with Chris at the organization, which helps people with disabilities.

The organization recently started a GoFundMe campaign, “Help Chris Heal After Tragic Loss and Transplant,” to benefit her during her grief and recovery from surgery.

As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised $2,615 toward a goal of $5,500.

“It's an unimaginable loss and miracle of life at the same time,” Phillips said Wednesday. “A group of us have been worried over her illness and the expense of her medical bills over the past few years ….and now the loss of her son, and a transplant procedure.”

According to Phillips, the surgery was successful and Chris Clegg is “doing well,” and is up and walking.

“It’s remarkable,” Phillips said. “She was very ill, in and out of the hospital for the last year, she had to leave her position with Favarh due to her illness.”

Phillips described Chris Clegg as an amazing person and mother, who helped many families during her long career with Favarh. Chris’ role there had been as director of day programs, directly helping people with intellectual disabilities live fuller lives, according to the fundraiser.

“We’re all heartbroken over her loss,” Phillips said. “She and her husband Dave (Jamison’s father) are just hanging on tight to each other through all of this sadness.”

According to the GoFundMe campaign, organizers launched the effort to help with medical costs and financial burdens while Chris recovers and the family mourns their loss.

“Jamison’s life was a gift. Helping his mother heal is one way we can honor that gift,” the campaign said.

A separate GoFundMe campaign, “Support for a Loving Father's Family,” has been launched to help Jamison Clegg’s family. As of Wednesday, it had raised $47,565 toward a $70,000 goal.

The police investigation into the Bristol accident is ongoing.

Read more:

Community Helps Family Of Torrington Man Who Died After Being Hit By Car In Bristol

Pedestrian Struck By Motor Vehicle In Bristol: Police

Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the incorrect hometown for Chris Clegg. She is a Harwinton resident.