Alberta doctors complete liver transplant on Yukon baby

Six-month-oldEmmett Smith and his father Michaelare recovering in Edmonton's Stollery Children'sHospitalafter liver transplant surgery.

Emmett Smith has a rare form of liver cancer.His father Michael Smith was recently identified as a compatible donor and agreed to have part of his liver transplanted.

Mother Charlotte Francis says she can now breathe a sigh of relief.

"This morning I am feeling relieved and a little less stressed. The boy's surgery went well," she said.

Emmett has been undergoing chemotherapy related to liver cancersince January.

• AUDIO: Mother Charlotte Francisspeaks with CBC's Paul Tukkerabout the surgery and recovery

According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, about 400 liver transplants are accomplished across Canada every year. The foundation says48 liver transplants were completedon infants in Canada last year.

Yukoners and people across Canada have been following Emmett's progress online. A Facebook group called "Baby Emmett Smith" has more than 280 members.