Story
Transplant Stories shares ‘raw and real’ moments behind organ transplants
Behind each person's organ transplant is a powerful story about their journey to that moment and the remarkable work of the health-care professionals supporting them.
Starting November 19, you can watch these stories unfold in a new four-part docuseries launching on Knowledge Network.
Transplant Stories was produced by Omnifilm Entertainment and filmed with support from BC Transplant, Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care. The docuseries features the work of multidisciplinary teams, including those at Vancouver General Hospital and G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre.
We spoke with three members of the VCH team who appear in Transplant Stories. They shared what being part of this incredible series means to them:
Dr. Jonice Costa, Surgeon – VGH
As a young transplant surgeon, filming a docuseries about patients was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It's not just about the surgery—it's about the people whose lives are on the line, the family members' hope and the fortunate moments when a new heart, kidney or lung gives someone a second chance. It's raw, it's real and it shows us that every patient has a story.
Marilyn Wittman, Physiotherapist – G.F. Strong
Being part of Transplant Stories was a real-life reminder of the long journey my client Dianne was travelling. I had the privilege of working with her during the exciting time after her lung transplant, but the docuseries highlights how hard she worked in the years before to get to the point of receiving her new lungs.
Connie Sherba, Registered Nurse and Clinical Coordinator – Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic, VGH
I believe Transplant Stories puts a face to the importance of transplant. Following a patient from the beginning of diagnosis to receiving the transplant shows the impact on the patient and their family. Knowing my patients' stories, I never take for granted how fragile life is, nor the pain of donor families who have lost a loved one and their selfless act of giving life to a total stranger.
View Transplant Stories for free starting November 19
You can watch Dr. Costa, Marilyn, Connie and more of our colleagues Tuesday nights on the Knowledge Network from November 19 to December 10. Free to stream on knowledge.ca
Take two minutes to save a life
Currently, more than 600 people are waiting for organ donation in B.C. alone.
Join 1.5M people registered on B.C.'s Organ Donor Registry. Anyone can register their decision and you only need to register once.
- Take two minutes to register as an organ donor at registeryourdecision.ca
- Once you've registered, have a conversation with your emergency contacts and family members about your decision.
- Think you might already be registered? You can check here.