CBS-TV (WISH-TV Indianapolis) premieres a new show tonight at 9pm ET / 8pm CT called Three Rivers.  Alex O’Loughlin stars in this drama about organ transplantation in America’s number one transplant hospital.  I haven’t seen the program yet; but, would like to encourage you all to watch tonight (or DVR to watch later). 

Tara & I are proud parents to an amazing 14-month-old boy, who is an organ transplant recipient.  Cole was born with a very rare metabolic deficiency that would have been impossible to survive without a new liver.  Fortunately, he received heroic care from his mother and the team of genetic/metabolic specialists at Riley Hospital for Children, including Dr. Brian Hainline & Dr. Jean Molleston.  May 10, which happened to be Mother’s Day, Cole received the gift of life with a partial graft performed by Dr. Joseph Tector & Dr. Rodrigo Vianna, among others.

Without having seen Three Rivers, I can’t speak to its accuracy.  And, obviously, the show must have compelling entertainment value for it to be successful.  However, I do know the show was honored by Donate Life Hollywood with the first annual Inspire Award.  The pilot episode met and exceeded the Donate Life Hollywood criteria of portraying organ donation and transplantation in a way that was dramatic, showed viewers an accurate portrayal of the donation/transplant process, and left viewers feeling that organ donation is a good thing.

Organ and tissue donation is not always so well-presented on television.  A recent study by Purdue University shows that misleading and inaccurate information in dramatic television programming causes manypeople to shy away from becoming a donor.

It’s unfortunate, in our life and so many others, that another family must suffer the loss of their child in order for our son to live.  We pray for that family and remain eternally thankful for their gift of life.  However, it is truly the greatest gift you or anyone can give someone.

Please watch the show and consider becoming an organ donor.  You may do so online by registering with the Indiana Last Wish Registry or many other local organizations. 

Thank you.