Liver transplant recipient feels special link to donor's family

KTVU TV 2

OAKLAND, Calif. — The patient who received a life-saving organ transplant on Christmas day after a tragic slaying in Oakland talked Tuesday about the connection he feels with the donor's family beyond the fact he has their son's liver.

Back home from the hospital, 56-year-old Daniel Murphy takes short walks around the neighborhood in Antioch.

He is still a bit weak from his transplant surgery, but remains full of hope.

"I just have a new chance on life now, " Murphy said.

The man whose organ donation may have saved Murphy's life is Charles Butler, Jr.

A 23-year-old merchant marine with a bright future, Butler was shot to death in Oakland during the holidays. Butler was an donor and Murphy was one of the recipients of the shooting victim's organs.

Read more and view video: http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/transplant/nGKdd/