Three Rivers and a Second Chance at Life

Did you know in October there is a new television show coming out called “Three Rivers”? You may or may not have heard about it or seen a trailer clip while watching your normal shows but I am in such shock and excitement about this new show. Why? Because it is unlike any show before – it’s about organ donation and transplantation!

CBS’s “Three Rivers” is a medical drama that goes inside the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, the recipients and the surgeons at the preeminent transplant hospital in the country where every moment counts. However, dealing with donor families in their darkest hour and managing the fears and concerns of apprehensive recipients takes much more than just a sharp scalpel on “Three Rivers.”

Sure, I am super excited to see the talented Alex O’Loughlin back in another series but when the trailer came on my screen this past weekend, I started to tear up. Yes, I am the wife of a healthy double lung (bilateral) transplant recipient and after almost 5 years of being post transplant -without any complications I may add -the emotions of that time still bubble to the surface.

We have not forgotten those moments where my husband, Greg, was too sick to receive a transplant – having spent 9 months on a ventilator. And then there was the 3.5 years on the transplant waiting list only to finally receive our miracle after 5 dry runs in the middle of a cold November night.

I am overjoyed with the idea that some out there finally took note of the drama that surrounds the lives of everyone involved in organ donation and transplantation. I am hoping and praying that this show will be not only a huge hit but also opens the eyes of our society to the urgent need of organ donors.

People are moved by what they watch and so often pictures speak louder than words. This is just the publicity these organ donors, recipients and the surgeons need to help further raise awareness. I pray that this show will be a huge hit and moves people to become organ donors to give the gift of life so desperately needed by over 100,000 of their family, friends and peers.