1 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:08,366 (siren blaring) 2 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:09,600 (crying) 3 00:00:09,633 --> 00:00:12,500 NARRATOR: A newborn infant with a defective heart. 4 00:00:12,533 --> 00:00:14,233 Uh, the coordinator was called. 5 00:00:14,266 --> 00:00:16,533 NARRATOR: A transplant is her only hope. 6 00:00:16,566 --> 00:00:17,900 JUDY BERGEN: It's terrifying. 7 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:22,966 It's just something we've got to do. 8 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:25,200 We love her 9 00:00:25,233 --> 00:00:28,800 and just want her to have the best life she can possibly have. 10 00:00:28,833 --> 00:00:31,366 NARRATOR: A heart is found that can save her. 11 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:34,100 But it's hundreds of miles away. 12 00:00:34,133 --> 00:00:35,166 ♪ 13 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:36,333 (talking indistinctly) 14 00:00:36,366 --> 00:00:39,633 It's a desperate race against time. 15 00:00:39,666 --> 00:00:41,666 (siren blaring) 16 00:00:41,700 --> 00:00:43,933 No heart yet? 17 00:00:43,966 --> 00:00:47,700 (helicopter engine running) 18 00:00:47,733 --> 00:00:50,100 NARRATOR: An organ shortage 19 00:00:50,133 --> 00:00:52,400 means thousands of patients wait for months, 20 00:00:52,433 --> 00:00:55,066 even years. 21 00:00:55,100 --> 00:00:57,800 JAMES SHAPIRO: We're desperately short of organ donors. 22 00:00:57,833 --> 00:00:59,400 A quarter of our patients will die. 23 00:00:59,433 --> 00:01:00,933 Waiting for a transplant. 24 00:01:00,966 --> 00:01:02,766 ♪ 25 00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:04,500 ADRIAN HODGETT: If she doesn't get this now, 26 00:01:04,533 --> 00:01:07,700 within three months, I don't think she would be here anyway. 27 00:01:07,733 --> 00:01:09,666 So that's how critical it is. 28 00:01:10,766 --> 00:01:14,100 NARRATOR: Can scientists find new solutions 29 00:01:14,133 --> 00:01:16,066 to the organ crisis? 30 00:01:16,100 --> 00:01:17,233 DORIS TAYLOR: What we're talking about 31 00:01:17,266 --> 00:01:20,233 is having off-the-shelf tissues. 32 00:01:20,266 --> 00:01:21,966 That's awesome. 33 00:01:23,400 --> 00:01:27,400 NARRATOR: Courageous families face wrenching decisions. 34 00:01:27,433 --> 00:01:32,166 LESLIE KEITH: Our whole world has been turned upside down. 35 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:34,933 In a matter of moments, our life changed. 36 00:01:34,966 --> 00:01:37,100 Everybody pray. 37 00:01:37,133 --> 00:01:39,033 KAREN ELGERT: This is the loss of their son. 38 00:01:39,066 --> 00:01:43,300 So if we can have, like, five seconds of silence 39 00:01:43,333 --> 00:01:45,366 to just remember the gift that this family is willing to give 40 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:47,833 through their son. 41 00:01:47,866 --> 00:01:49,833 ♪ 42 00:01:49,866 --> 00:01:54,000 NARRATOR: And critically ill patients get a new chance at life. 43 00:01:54,033 --> 00:01:55,533 SHAPIRO: It's exciting. 44 00:01:55,566 --> 00:01:56,733 You know, that's what transplant's about. 45 00:01:56,766 --> 00:01:59,566 And of course it, you know, saves lives. 46 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:01,200 It transforms lives. 47 00:02:01,233 --> 00:02:05,266 It's a wonderful privilege to be part of that. 48 00:02:05,300 --> 00:02:07,333 NARRATOR: "Transplanting Hope," 49 00:02:07,366 --> 00:02:10,233 right now, on "NOVA." 50 00:02:10,266 --> 00:02:15,533 ♪ 51 00:02:15,566 --> 00:02:19,000 Major funding for "NOVA" is provided by the following: 52 00:02:29,500 --> 00:02:36,033 (siren blaring in distance) 53 00:02:39,433 --> 00:02:43,266 (man speaking on P.A. system) 54 00:02:46,100 --> 00:02:47,533 (respirator hissing) 55 00:02:47,566 --> 00:02:51,166 NARRATOR: A former builder of sets for films and television, 56 00:02:51,200 --> 00:02:54,833 Lee Sanderson is struggling for life. 57 00:02:54,866 --> 00:02:58,266 His lungs are fatally scarred 58 00:02:58,300 --> 00:03:02,400 from exposure to toxic chemicals at his job. 59 00:03:02,433 --> 00:03:05,033 (breathing rapidly) 60 00:03:05,066 --> 00:03:09,133 His only hope is a lung transplant. 61 00:03:09,166 --> 00:03:12,066 ♪ 62 00:03:12,100 --> 00:03:14,466 In another part of the hospital, 63 00:03:14,500 --> 00:03:18,500 Alex Reyda has suffered a fatal brain aneurysm. 64 00:03:18,533 --> 00:03:21,000 ELGERT: He's a 25-year-old. 65 00:03:21,033 --> 00:03:22,066 MAN: 25-year-old? 66 00:03:22,100 --> 00:03:24,000 ELGERT: Ruptured A.B.M. 67 00:03:24,033 --> 00:03:27,033 NARRATOR: But before Alex is removed from life support, 68 00:03:27,066 --> 00:03:29,766 he has one last gift to give. 69 00:03:29,800 --> 00:03:32,933 ♪ 70 00:03:32,966 --> 00:03:37,133 ELGERT: Heart, liver, lungs, kidney, pancreas, 71 00:03:37,166 --> 00:03:39,700 and then a single kidney. 72 00:03:39,733 --> 00:03:43,933 NARRATOR: Alex is an organ donor. 73 00:03:43,966 --> 00:03:46,566 SCOTT GORDON: We'd like to take a moment 74 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:48,966 to thank Alexander for his gift 75 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:51,533 and for the family for consenting on his behalf. 76 00:03:51,566 --> 00:03:54,333 A moment of silence, please. 77 00:03:57,633 --> 00:04:01,500 Hey, Lee, how are you? 78 00:04:01,533 --> 00:04:04,800 Okay. Good. 79 00:04:04,833 --> 00:04:07,300 So, um... 80 00:04:07,333 --> 00:04:08,933 Good news for you. 81 00:04:08,966 --> 00:04:10,800 There is a donor. 82 00:04:10,833 --> 00:04:12,100 Already? Already. 83 00:04:12,133 --> 00:04:14,666 So I think I warned you it would happen pretty quickly. 84 00:04:14,700 --> 00:04:16,466 Is everyone okay to go ahead? 85 00:04:16,500 --> 00:04:17,866 Mm-hmm, yes. 86 00:04:17,899 --> 00:04:18,899 Thank you. 87 00:04:18,933 --> 00:04:21,133 ♪ 88 00:04:23,333 --> 00:04:25,100 DOCTOR: The next time I see you, you have new lungs, 89 00:04:25,133 --> 00:04:26,666 you're in the I.C.U., okay? 90 00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:30,100 Okay, pancreas is coming out. 91 00:04:30,133 --> 00:04:31,833 Thanks... 92 00:04:31,866 --> 00:04:38,533 ♪ 93 00:04:38,566 --> 00:04:42,366 NARRATOR: A donor like Alex can potentially give eight organs 94 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:45,866 and save eight lives. 95 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:50,300 ♪ 96 00:04:55,700 --> 00:04:58,733 Lee got his new lungs from a different donor. 97 00:04:58,766 --> 00:05:00,900 Three days after his transplant, 98 00:05:00,933 --> 00:05:02,666 they're ready to breathe on their own. 99 00:05:02,700 --> 00:05:05,766 Deep breath-- nice, slow, deep breaths, remember? 100 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:07,566 Okay, you ready? 101 00:05:07,600 --> 00:05:08,600 One, two, three. 102 00:05:08,633 --> 00:05:11,533 Nice deep breath in. 103 00:05:11,566 --> 00:05:13,500 Cough it all out for me. 104 00:05:13,533 --> 00:05:15,633 Keep coughing. 105 00:05:15,666 --> 00:05:17,366 Cough it out, honey. Keep coughing. 106 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:18,966 Lee, can you say hi? 107 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:20,900 Hello. Hi, honey. 108 00:05:20,933 --> 00:05:25,866 ♪ 109 00:05:33,966 --> 00:05:36,566 NARRATOR: Lee received his new lungs in Canada. 110 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:38,400 In the United States, 111 00:05:38,433 --> 00:05:42,533 there are 116,000 people waiting for transplants. 112 00:05:42,566 --> 00:05:45,066 Another name is added to the list 113 00:05:45,100 --> 00:05:47,000 every ten minutes. 114 00:05:47,033 --> 00:05:51,333 And 20 people die each day 115 00:05:51,366 --> 00:05:53,800 because they don't get the organs they need. 116 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:59,200 Canada's population is much smaller, 117 00:05:59,233 --> 00:06:01,233 but organ donation here is less common, 118 00:06:01,266 --> 00:06:04,866 so the shortage is just as critical. 119 00:06:06,066 --> 00:06:08,133 SAM SHEMIE: Organ donation, relatively speaking, 120 00:06:08,166 --> 00:06:09,466 it's not a big volume of patients 121 00:06:09,500 --> 00:06:11,466 that we're talking about in the country. 122 00:06:11,500 --> 00:06:16,766 And although it's a relatively rare event, 123 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:20,033 it is such an important impact event, 124 00:06:20,066 --> 00:06:21,433 because we know that organ donors 125 00:06:21,466 --> 00:06:24,300 can save many, many lives. 126 00:06:25,300 --> 00:06:28,000 NARRATOR: The stakes are never higher 127 00:06:28,033 --> 00:06:31,333 than when a newborn needs a transplant. 128 00:06:33,366 --> 00:06:35,866 Harlow Bergen is just two weeks old. 129 00:06:35,900 --> 00:06:38,933 She was born with a fatal heart defect. 130 00:06:38,966 --> 00:06:44,333 Only a transplant can save her. 131 00:06:44,366 --> 00:06:46,900 But for infants, 132 00:06:46,933 --> 00:06:49,400 donated hearts are extremely rare. 133 00:06:49,433 --> 00:06:50,800 And even if she gets a transplant, 134 00:06:50,833 --> 00:06:55,033 Harlow could face lifelong health problems, 135 00:06:55,066 --> 00:06:57,766 starting with the possibility 136 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,266 that her body might reject the new heart. 137 00:07:00,300 --> 00:07:03,866 SIMON URSCHEL: I think we all agree that transplant for sure 138 00:07:03,900 --> 00:07:06,400 gives her the best chance to lead as close as possible 139 00:07:06,433 --> 00:07:09,166 to normal life. 140 00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:10,400 You do know, however, too, 141 00:07:10,433 --> 00:07:11,900 that it's not going to be a walk in the park. 142 00:07:11,933 --> 00:07:15,866 It is exchanging a life-threatening situation 143 00:07:15,900 --> 00:07:17,033 in which she is now, 144 00:07:17,066 --> 00:07:20,166 with kind of a chronic disease, 145 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:22,266 or chronic abnormality. 146 00:07:22,300 --> 00:07:25,033 So you know that she will, lifelong, 147 00:07:25,066 --> 00:07:28,600 depend on taking medications. 148 00:07:28,633 --> 00:07:29,800 And in children that are immune-suppressed, 149 00:07:29,833 --> 00:07:31,800 that can cause a lymphoma, 150 00:07:31,833 --> 00:07:35,300 which is basically a type of leukemia, 151 00:07:35,333 --> 00:07:37,233 and that's not that uncommon. 152 00:07:37,266 --> 00:07:40,233 But I think it's in all fairness important 153 00:07:40,266 --> 00:07:43,766 for you to be aware of that as a possible option. 154 00:07:43,800 --> 00:07:46,333 But also be aware that 90% of our kids 155 00:07:46,366 --> 00:07:48,200 do really, really well. 156 00:07:49,866 --> 00:07:51,166 JUDY BERGEN: Yeah, you think 157 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:53,566 about going through the whole heart transplant 158 00:07:53,600 --> 00:07:57,266 and then maybe later on dealing with cancer 159 00:07:57,300 --> 00:07:58,600 or something like that. 160 00:07:58,633 --> 00:08:00,600 It's terrifying. 161 00:08:00,633 --> 00:08:03,266 It's just something we've got to do. 162 00:08:03,300 --> 00:08:05,200 We love her and just want her 163 00:08:05,233 --> 00:08:07,866 to have the best life she can possibly have, 164 00:08:07,900 --> 00:08:09,900 so... 165 00:08:09,933 --> 00:08:11,666 I don't know if we really have many options 166 00:08:11,700 --> 00:08:13,366 at this point. No. 167 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:17,100 Good morning. 168 00:08:17,133 --> 00:08:19,066 NARRATOR: All across Canada, 169 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:21,900 organ donation teams will now be on alert 170 00:08:21,933 --> 00:08:24,733 for a heart for Harlow. 171 00:08:24,766 --> 00:08:26,233 SURGEON: Karen! 172 00:08:26,266 --> 00:08:27,366 Yeah. 173 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:28,466 Watch your pulmonal bleed. 174 00:08:28,500 --> 00:08:29,733 Yeah. 175 00:08:29,766 --> 00:08:32,033 NARRATOR: Karen Elgert is overseeing the search. 176 00:08:32,066 --> 00:08:33,066 SURGEON: Pulmonal bleed gone. 177 00:08:33,100 --> 00:08:34,799 Yup, on, in. 178 00:08:34,833 --> 00:08:35,833 Perfused. 179 00:08:35,866 --> 00:08:38,633 NARRATOR: Karen is a nurse with HOPE, 180 00:08:38,666 --> 00:08:43,233 the hospital's Human Organ Procurement team. 181 00:08:43,266 --> 00:08:45,733 Once a family decides to donate, 182 00:08:45,766 --> 00:08:47,700 she coordinates the whole process. 183 00:08:47,733 --> 00:08:49,533 So it's gonna be... Okay, O.R. six. 184 00:08:49,566 --> 00:08:50,500 O.R. six, yeah. 185 00:08:50,533 --> 00:08:52,333 Wonderful, thank you, Chris. 186 00:08:52,366 --> 00:08:55,600 NARRATOR: Karen is in constant contact 187 00:08:55,633 --> 00:08:57,133 with hospitals across the country. 188 00:08:57,166 --> 00:09:00,800 She's the first to know when organs become available. 189 00:09:00,833 --> 00:09:05,133 WOMAN (on phone): So I'm actually calling you with, um, a heart offer. 190 00:09:05,166 --> 00:09:06,266 Okay. 191 00:09:06,300 --> 00:09:08,033 WOMAN: Blood type is O-positive. 192 00:09:08,066 --> 00:09:11,500 NARRATOR: It's an infant heart, and it was found quickly. 193 00:09:11,533 --> 00:09:16,833 The Bergens have only had to wait for two weeks. 194 00:09:16,866 --> 00:09:19,766 URSCHEL: I guess you can kind of guess what's going on, 195 00:09:19,800 --> 00:09:22,066 if we're coming with the big team. 196 00:09:22,100 --> 00:09:25,700 So we actually do have, um, an organ for her-- 197 00:09:25,733 --> 00:09:28,466 a little bit smaller child than her. 198 00:09:28,500 --> 00:09:30,833 It's gonna be sometime tonight, 199 00:09:30,866 --> 00:09:33,500 coming out sometime tomorrow morning. 200 00:09:33,533 --> 00:09:38,366 So just wanted to give you a heads up. 201 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:39,666 We're pretty happy about it, too. 202 00:09:39,700 --> 00:09:41,733 I think it's actually the perfect time, 203 00:09:41,766 --> 00:09:44,466 and it is a very good organ. 204 00:09:47,400 --> 00:09:50,166 Hi, buddy. 205 00:09:50,200 --> 00:09:51,300 Guess what? 206 00:09:51,333 --> 00:09:54,600 Harlow's gonna get a new heart. 207 00:09:54,633 --> 00:09:56,600 BOY: Wow! 208 00:09:56,633 --> 00:09:58,900 Yeah, say "yay!" 209 00:09:58,933 --> 00:10:01,466 ♪ 210 00:10:01,500 --> 00:10:06,600 (talking indistinctly) 211 00:10:06,633 --> 00:10:12,000 (crying): I prayed for it all week that it would happen this week. 212 00:10:12,033 --> 00:10:13,900 ♪ 213 00:10:13,933 --> 00:10:16,300 NARRATOR: As Judy and Jason brace themselves 214 00:10:16,333 --> 00:10:19,733 for a long night of waiting, 215 00:10:19,766 --> 00:10:22,900 a massive effort gets under way 216 00:10:22,933 --> 00:10:26,700 to retrieve the heart for Harlow. 217 00:10:26,733 --> 00:10:29,066 Now that Karen knows the heart is a match, 218 00:10:29,100 --> 00:10:31,633 she and a team of retrieval surgeons 219 00:10:31,666 --> 00:10:33,266 spring into action. 220 00:10:33,300 --> 00:10:34,866 So we are now en route. 221 00:10:34,900 --> 00:10:36,466 ♪ 222 00:10:36,500 --> 00:10:40,333 (jet engine running) 223 00:10:40,366 --> 00:10:42,300 NARRATOR: They charter a jet 224 00:10:42,333 --> 00:10:44,433 and take off for a hospital 225 00:10:44,466 --> 00:10:45,633 on the other side of the country, 226 00:10:45,666 --> 00:10:47,966 where a dying baby is on life support. 227 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:52,433 The donated heart must maintain its oxygen supply 228 00:10:52,466 --> 00:10:55,666 and keep beating until the last possible second. 229 00:10:55,700 --> 00:10:58,500 ELGERT: From the time the heart is stopped 230 00:10:58,533 --> 00:11:01,300 till the time that it's beating again 231 00:11:01,333 --> 00:11:02,933 in the recipient, 232 00:11:02,966 --> 00:11:04,300 there's a very finite time, 233 00:11:04,333 --> 00:11:08,500 which is, like, for adults about four hours, 234 00:11:08,533 --> 00:11:09,500 and then for peds, 235 00:11:09,533 --> 00:11:11,966 they may be upwards of six or seven. 236 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:13,366 They don't like that, 237 00:11:13,400 --> 00:11:14,800 but sometimes you have no choice. 238 00:11:14,833 --> 00:11:18,366 (radio squawking) 239 00:11:18,400 --> 00:11:20,333 ♪ 240 00:11:20,366 --> 00:11:24,600 (siren blaring) 241 00:11:36,933 --> 00:11:37,966 ELGERT: Hi, yes. 242 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:39,066 Yeah, hi, Dr. Rebeyka. 243 00:11:39,100 --> 00:11:40,300 REBEYKA (on phone): What's going on? 244 00:11:40,333 --> 00:11:41,833 So the heart looks good. 245 00:11:41,866 --> 00:11:43,800 REBEYKA: Yeah? 246 00:11:43,833 --> 00:11:45,033 And our E.T.A. is about 2:30 to 3:00. 247 00:11:45,066 --> 00:11:50,866 ♪ 248 00:11:50,900 --> 00:11:52,433 (Harlow crying) 249 00:11:52,466 --> 00:11:54,866 NARRATOR: Once Karen gives the green light, 250 00:11:54,900 --> 00:11:58,133 Harlow's surgeons prepare. 251 00:11:58,166 --> 00:12:02,200 Just before 3:00 a.m., she's wheeled in. 252 00:12:02,233 --> 00:12:04,566 ♪ 253 00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:15,466 The retrieval team must be close before Harlow is put to sleep, 254 00:12:15,500 --> 00:12:17,533 but she must be ready for transplant 255 00:12:17,566 --> 00:12:19,466 as soon as the heart arrives. 256 00:12:19,500 --> 00:12:22,366 Every minute the new heart lacks oxygen 257 00:12:22,400 --> 00:12:24,433 comes at a cost. 258 00:12:24,466 --> 00:12:26,666 (radio squawking) 259 00:12:26,700 --> 00:12:30,700 (jet engine running) 260 00:12:30,733 --> 00:12:32,100 REBEYKA: They landed. 261 00:12:32,133 --> 00:12:33,266 MAN: Yeah? 262 00:12:33,300 --> 00:12:35,800 NARRATOR: Surgeon Ivan Rebeyka 263 00:12:35,833 --> 00:12:38,266 has been in contact with Karen all night 264 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:42,966 to calculate the perfect moment to open Harlow's chest. 265 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:45,733 (siren blaring) 266 00:12:45,766 --> 00:12:48,366 (radio squawking) 267 00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:52,133 (saw buzzing) 268 00:12:56,733 --> 00:12:59,166 The coordinator was called. 269 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:03,300 (siren blaring) 270 00:13:03,333 --> 00:13:09,800 ♪ 271 00:13:09,833 --> 00:13:12,333 No heart yet? 272 00:13:12,366 --> 00:13:17,800 ♪ 273 00:13:23,233 --> 00:13:27,333 NARRATOR: Just as the new heart enters the operating room, 274 00:13:27,366 --> 00:13:29,466 Harlow's damaged heart is removed. 275 00:13:29,500 --> 00:13:32,866 (machines beeping) 276 00:13:38,166 --> 00:13:42,666 ♪ 277 00:13:45,500 --> 00:13:47,366 (machine beeping) 278 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:49,866 Let's see the new heart. 279 00:13:54,900 --> 00:13:56,066 Okay. 280 00:14:07,966 --> 00:14:09,800 Okay, are the lungs on? 281 00:14:09,833 --> 00:14:11,600 They are. 282 00:14:11,633 --> 00:14:15,100 Let's have a look here. 283 00:14:15,133 --> 00:14:17,633 Let's just have a little peek, 284 00:14:17,666 --> 00:14:20,400 'cause that left atrial line is a little bit fussy. 285 00:14:20,433 --> 00:14:22,433 Pull it back a smidge. 286 00:14:25,766 --> 00:14:27,766 Okay, that looks good. 287 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:28,933 Okay, start hemoing. 288 00:14:30,133 --> 00:14:32,600 So heart's on its own now. 289 00:14:36,766 --> 00:14:40,600 It's a good heart, it just, it came from a long ways away, 290 00:14:40,633 --> 00:14:42,366 so it was in the bucket there 291 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:43,833 for, like, five and a half hours, huh? 292 00:14:43,866 --> 00:14:46,533 You know, this one, this started up, like, 293 00:14:46,566 --> 00:14:49,033 within two minutes of us taking that clamp off, 294 00:14:49,066 --> 00:14:50,466 and that's usually a pretty good sign. 295 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:53,266 (machines beeping) 296 00:14:58,833 --> 00:15:00,000 Hi. 297 00:15:00,033 --> 00:15:01,600 Mr. Bergen, we haven't met. 298 00:15:01,633 --> 00:15:03,266 I'm Dr. Rebeyka-- how are you? 299 00:15:03,300 --> 00:15:04,400 Good, yourself? Good. 300 00:15:04,433 --> 00:15:05,633 So we're all done. 301 00:15:05,666 --> 00:15:07,600 Everything went very, very well. 302 00:15:07,633 --> 00:15:10,566 So, um, heart's working on its own now. 303 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:13,633 It's a bit early to relax completely, 304 00:15:13,666 --> 00:15:14,966 but things look pretty good, 305 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:16,500 so I think we're in good shape. 306 00:15:16,533 --> 00:15:17,900 Good. Okay? 307 00:15:17,933 --> 00:15:18,933 Thank you. Okay. 308 00:15:18,966 --> 00:15:20,666 Thanks. Thank you. 309 00:15:20,700 --> 00:15:22,266 REBEYKA: I'll talk to you later, folks. 310 00:15:31,766 --> 00:15:33,900 ♪ 311 00:15:33,933 --> 00:15:37,733 NARRATOR: Because their immune systems are still developing, 312 00:15:37,766 --> 00:15:40,933 babies generally have fewer problems with rejection 313 00:15:40,966 --> 00:15:42,300 than adults. 314 00:15:42,333 --> 00:15:46,400 But Harlow will still have to take anti-rejection drugs 315 00:15:46,433 --> 00:15:47,966 all her life. 316 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,533 And she could end up needing a second transplant 317 00:15:50,566 --> 00:15:52,600 if anything goes wrong 318 00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:56,600 as she and her new heart grow. 319 00:15:56,633 --> 00:15:58,700 ♪ 320 00:15:58,733 --> 00:16:00,533 One floor away, 321 00:16:00,566 --> 00:16:02,033 another surgical team is rushing 322 00:16:02,066 --> 00:16:08,033 to salvage what they can after an organ donor's death. 323 00:16:08,066 --> 00:16:11,600 ♪ 324 00:16:11,633 --> 00:16:16,400 17 years to go through your undergrad for a few years, 325 00:16:16,433 --> 00:16:19,366 and then going into medical school for four years, 326 00:16:19,400 --> 00:16:21,966 then doing your residency, which is a minimum of six years, 327 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:23,700 but during mine and Dr. Freed's, 328 00:16:23,733 --> 00:16:25,766 we both did a Ph.D. during our residency. 329 00:16:25,800 --> 00:16:29,700 That's 17 years after you graduate from high school 330 00:16:29,733 --> 00:16:31,800 before you start working. 331 00:16:31,833 --> 00:16:35,266 So I truly mean it, and I feel very privileged 332 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:38,066 to say that I trained my whole life for today. 333 00:16:38,100 --> 00:16:39,966 Doesn't matter if we're gonna get a little less sleep today, 334 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,966 it's a big day for the team. 335 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:46,333 ♪ 336 00:16:46,366 --> 00:16:48,633 (talking indistinctly) 337 00:16:57,933 --> 00:17:00,000 NARRATOR: These surgeons 338 00:17:00,033 --> 00:17:03,800 are retrieving multiple organs from a brain-dead donor. 339 00:17:03,833 --> 00:17:05,233 NURSE: Sure. 340 00:17:05,266 --> 00:17:08,333 (talking indistinctly) 341 00:17:08,366 --> 00:17:10,200 NAGENDRAN: These are some of the nicest lungs 342 00:17:10,233 --> 00:17:11,599 I've ever seen in my whole life. 343 00:17:11,633 --> 00:17:14,533 They're absolutely spectacular. 344 00:17:16,099 --> 00:17:18,166 They're as good as they could ever be, 345 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:19,966 and it would've been such a shame 346 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,400 had we not been able to use it. 347 00:17:22,433 --> 00:17:24,133 One in three of our patients waiting for lung transplants 348 00:17:24,166 --> 00:17:25,533 don't survive to getting one, 349 00:17:25,566 --> 00:17:27,066 and that's why there's no give up. 350 00:17:27,099 --> 00:17:29,066 It's just fight to the very end for us 351 00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:32,300 every time we get a chance. 352 00:17:32,333 --> 00:17:35,433 ♪ 353 00:17:42,700 --> 00:17:46,133 NARRATOR: This donor's kidneys, liver, and lungs 354 00:17:46,166 --> 00:17:49,200 are successfully retrieved. 355 00:17:49,233 --> 00:17:51,466 But tragically, the heart cannot be used. 356 00:17:51,500 --> 00:17:54,533 Trapped too long in the chest without oxygen, 357 00:17:54,566 --> 00:17:57,766 the heart tissue has died. 358 00:17:59,500 --> 00:18:03,400 More than 60% of all donated hearts 359 00:18:03,433 --> 00:18:05,066 are not actually used for transplants 360 00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:09,600 because too much time goes by after a donor's death. 361 00:18:09,633 --> 00:18:11,666 ♪ 362 00:18:11,700 --> 00:18:14,600 But a new experiment might offer hope 363 00:18:14,633 --> 00:18:16,533 that some of these hearts could stay viable 364 00:18:16,566 --> 00:18:18,200 for a longer window. 365 00:18:18,233 --> 00:18:22,166 It's called ex vivo technology, 366 00:18:22,200 --> 00:18:26,233 a way of keeping organs alive outside the body. 367 00:18:26,266 --> 00:18:28,200 You want to start the insulin soon? 368 00:18:28,233 --> 00:18:32,433 NARRATOR: Jayan Nagendran and Darren Freed have invented a machine 369 00:18:32,466 --> 00:18:34,266 that keeps a heart warm and oxygenated 370 00:18:34,300 --> 00:18:36,800 instead of storing it on ice. 371 00:18:36,833 --> 00:18:38,800 This could give doctors more time 372 00:18:38,833 --> 00:18:40,333 to use it for transplant. 373 00:18:40,366 --> 00:18:44,000 They've had some success experimenting with lungs. 374 00:18:44,033 --> 00:18:46,200 This is the first time 375 00:18:46,233 --> 00:18:49,300 they're trying to bring a discarded heart back to life. 376 00:18:49,333 --> 00:18:51,133 Did you guys see that? The heart beat? 377 00:18:51,166 --> 00:18:52,600 Did you see that? 378 00:18:52,633 --> 00:18:54,433 The heart is an amazing organ. 379 00:18:54,466 --> 00:18:55,500 You give it blood, and it will beat. 380 00:18:55,533 --> 00:18:56,866 It's absolutely amazing. 381 00:18:56,900 --> 00:18:59,400 You actually don't have to do anything. 382 00:18:59,433 --> 00:19:00,300 Look at that. 383 00:19:00,333 --> 00:19:02,766 (staff talking indistinctly) 384 00:19:06,566 --> 00:19:08,500 NARRATOR: But after pumping for just a few minutes, 385 00:19:08,533 --> 00:19:11,333 a blood clot makes the heart seize up. 386 00:19:11,366 --> 00:19:12,666 MAN: You've lost it for sure. 387 00:19:12,700 --> 00:19:14,566 (talking indistinctly) 388 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:16,500 DOCTOR: Oh, yeah, I just saw it go down. 389 00:19:16,533 --> 00:19:17,633 So this is our problem, right? 390 00:19:17,666 --> 00:19:19,233 We should, we shouldn't have clots. 391 00:19:19,266 --> 00:19:20,500 NAGENDRAN: That clot. 392 00:19:20,533 --> 00:19:21,966 FREED: And so this has plugged up the tubing 393 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:23,400 and the pumps and everything. 394 00:19:23,433 --> 00:19:25,466 We're very meticulous about anticoagulation 395 00:19:25,500 --> 00:19:27,366 to make sure that this doesn't happen. 396 00:19:27,400 --> 00:19:29,300 The heart is filling up with clot, 397 00:19:29,333 --> 00:19:31,566 instead of heparinized blood or thinned blood. 398 00:19:31,600 --> 00:19:33,733 For the first, the first time we do this, 399 00:19:33,766 --> 00:19:37,166 to lose it this way is, you know, devastating. 400 00:19:37,200 --> 00:19:38,533 It's incredibly frustrating. 401 00:19:38,566 --> 00:19:39,866 This was still an important first step 402 00:19:39,900 --> 00:19:42,666 even though it, it didn't go to fruition. 403 00:19:42,700 --> 00:19:44,033 Even though it went down in flames. 404 00:19:44,066 --> 00:19:47,633 Yeah. 405 00:19:47,666 --> 00:19:50,766 NARRATOR: The doctors can't hide their disappointment. 406 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:52,966 They'll study this failure 407 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:54,600 to help refine the technology. 408 00:19:54,633 --> 00:19:58,533 And if they eventually perfect a technique to save more organs, 409 00:19:58,566 --> 00:20:03,066 it could change the odds for thousands of patients. 410 00:20:03,100 --> 00:20:04,833 The fascinating thing about these ex vivo technologies 411 00:20:04,866 --> 00:20:08,033 is that organs that otherwise were not transplantable 412 00:20:08,066 --> 00:20:12,600 can now be removed and repaired, 413 00:20:12,633 --> 00:20:14,466 and so that means 414 00:20:14,500 --> 00:20:16,900 that you can use perhaps many more organs 415 00:20:16,933 --> 00:20:18,133 that previously you couldn't use before. 416 00:20:18,166 --> 00:20:22,166 So I think the potential is phenomenal. 417 00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:24,100 There's no reason 418 00:20:24,133 --> 00:20:25,500 why you can't envision a future 419 00:20:25,533 --> 00:20:29,300 where, if I have a failed lung, 420 00:20:29,333 --> 00:20:31,833 maybe I need my organ taken out of my body, 421 00:20:31,866 --> 00:20:35,300 repaired outside of my body, remodeled, 422 00:20:35,333 --> 00:20:37,433 and then transplanted back into my body-- 423 00:20:37,466 --> 00:20:39,266 so I can be my own donor. 424 00:20:41,300 --> 00:20:42,866 NARRATOR: Until that day comes, 425 00:20:42,900 --> 00:20:46,300 the essence of transplant medicine remains. 426 00:20:46,333 --> 00:20:50,433 Saving lives always means losing someone 427 00:20:50,466 --> 00:20:53,033 who is precious to a family. 428 00:20:53,066 --> 00:20:55,600 (woman speaking on P.A. system) 429 00:20:58,433 --> 00:21:01,700 ♪ 430 00:21:01,733 --> 00:21:05,933 SHEMIE: In intensive care, it is routine for us 431 00:21:05,966 --> 00:21:10,533 to work at the junction of life-saving treatments 432 00:21:10,566 --> 00:21:14,800 and the potential for people to die. 433 00:21:14,833 --> 00:21:18,800 And our job with families 434 00:21:18,833 --> 00:21:22,266 is to recognize when there is no longer anything 435 00:21:22,300 --> 00:21:26,500 that we can do to save that person's life. 436 00:21:26,533 --> 00:21:28,433 We've exhausted all possibilities. 437 00:21:28,466 --> 00:21:31,433 KEITH: Jesus, please, Jesus, help my son. 438 00:21:31,466 --> 00:21:32,466 Please bring him back to me. 439 00:21:32,500 --> 00:21:34,633 (murmuring prayer) 440 00:21:34,666 --> 00:21:36,500 Dear Lord Jesus, help my son. 441 00:21:36,533 --> 00:21:39,300 ♪ 442 00:21:39,333 --> 00:21:41,266 I'll do anything, I'll do anything, Jesus. 443 00:21:41,300 --> 00:21:43,200 I'll do anything. 444 00:21:43,233 --> 00:21:44,933 I'll do anything, Jesus. 445 00:21:44,966 --> 00:21:46,066 I'll do anything. 446 00:21:46,100 --> 00:21:50,966 (talking indistinctly) 447 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:52,666 NARRATOR: 28-year-old Matthew Babchishin 448 00:21:52,700 --> 00:21:56,533 is in intensive care with a serious brain injury. 449 00:21:56,566 --> 00:21:59,333 Oh, boy. 450 00:21:59,366 --> 00:22:01,733 KEITH (crying): You're such a giving man. 451 00:22:01,766 --> 00:22:02,900 You're so giving, Matthew. 452 00:22:02,933 --> 00:22:04,333 I know you can do it, 453 00:22:04,366 --> 00:22:06,233 I know you can fight. 454 00:22:06,266 --> 00:22:10,700 KEITH: Our whole world has been turned upside down. 455 00:22:10,733 --> 00:22:12,066 Our whole world. 456 00:22:12,100 --> 00:22:16,700 We were such a content family and just... 457 00:22:16,733 --> 00:22:18,300 We just felt so lucky. 458 00:22:18,333 --> 00:22:20,833 And then bang. 459 00:22:20,866 --> 00:22:26,100 In a matter of moments, our life changed. 460 00:22:26,133 --> 00:22:27,800 What I'll need is... 461 00:22:27,833 --> 00:22:31,966 NARRATOR: For three days, doctors have been searching for any sign 462 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:34,500 that Matthew's brain is still functioning. 463 00:22:37,100 --> 00:22:40,933 CARL BABCHISHIN: This is a very scary day for us. 464 00:22:40,966 --> 00:22:43,400 We do know we were told 72 hours. 465 00:22:43,433 --> 00:22:45,600 We do know these tests are going to show a lot, 466 00:22:45,633 --> 00:22:47,166 give some answers. 467 00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:51,666 (voice breaking): I'm very afraid of what the answers could be. 468 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:54,066 (equipment beeping) 469 00:23:09,866 --> 00:23:14,900 You may turn on the light now, Summer. 470 00:23:14,933 --> 00:23:16,700 (light clicks on) 471 00:23:18,666 --> 00:23:21,266 You're able to, you can come in if you wish. 472 00:23:21,300 --> 00:23:23,333 I'm just repeating what we did this morning, okay? 473 00:23:23,366 --> 00:23:24,733 Yes, sir. 474 00:23:24,766 --> 00:23:28,000 You can hold his hand if you wish. 475 00:23:28,033 --> 00:23:30,400 My son, my beautiful boy. 476 00:23:30,433 --> 00:23:32,666 You're so blessed, Matthew, you're so blessed. 477 00:23:32,700 --> 00:23:34,233 Yeah, he will be moving. 478 00:23:34,266 --> 00:23:38,200 We just stopped the drug for the exam, and then... 479 00:23:38,233 --> 00:23:39,266 My blessing, my boy. 480 00:23:39,300 --> 00:23:42,666 I'm just going to put this in his mouth 481 00:23:42,700 --> 00:23:45,133 to check his gag reflex. 482 00:23:45,166 --> 00:23:46,600 Don't suffer, my boy. 483 00:23:46,633 --> 00:23:48,233 Don't suffer, my boy. 484 00:23:48,266 --> 00:23:53,033 I love you, my son, I love you. 485 00:23:53,066 --> 00:23:55,266 Okay, would you like to stay here? 486 00:23:55,300 --> 00:23:58,666 I'm just going out to the family conference room 487 00:23:58,700 --> 00:24:00,166 to meet with your family. 488 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:01,300 Would you like to stay here or join me? 489 00:24:01,333 --> 00:24:02,366 I want to join you if you're gonna... 490 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:04,366 Okay, we'll come back. Yeah. 491 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:05,800 You have an opportunity to come back. 492 00:24:05,833 --> 00:24:08,266 So we'll just go out there now. 493 00:24:08,300 --> 00:24:10,933 Okay. 494 00:24:13,700 --> 00:24:16,766 CARL BABCHISHIN: I've been pacing up and down these hallways, 495 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:18,866 and all of a sudden, 496 00:24:18,900 --> 00:24:20,866 it reminded me of when Matthew was born, 497 00:24:20,900 --> 00:24:24,533 and the similarity of me pacing that hallway, 498 00:24:24,566 --> 00:24:25,766 and it struck me 499 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:28,566 how I was waiting for a birth of Matthew again. 500 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:32,600 That's what I'm waiting for. 501 00:24:32,633 --> 00:24:36,533 I'm waiting for a birth. 502 00:24:36,566 --> 00:24:41,200 (Keith sniffling, phone dings) 503 00:24:43,233 --> 00:24:44,566 I'm Dr. Kutsogiannis, 504 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:47,366 I'm the attending intensive care unit physician 505 00:24:47,400 --> 00:24:49,033 this week here. 506 00:24:49,066 --> 00:24:51,600 I've been caring for Matt since Monday. 507 00:24:51,633 --> 00:24:53,833 As you're aware, he had an episode 508 00:24:53,866 --> 00:24:57,233 where his heart stopped for a prolonged period of time. 509 00:24:57,266 --> 00:24:59,966 It was at least 20 minutes 510 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:03,433 before he recovered his blood pressure... Wow. 511 00:25:03,466 --> 00:25:07,200 ...when we look at everything from start to finish. 512 00:25:07,233 --> 00:25:10,066 He's been ill in the I.C.U., 513 00:25:10,100 --> 00:25:11,766 he's been comatose in the I.C.U. 514 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:14,500 I had organized another special test yesterday 515 00:25:14,533 --> 00:25:16,266 to be done today, 516 00:25:16,300 --> 00:25:18,100 and we know when we don't receive signal 517 00:25:18,133 --> 00:25:22,166 in the lower part of the brain on both sides, 518 00:25:22,200 --> 00:25:24,866 that we can tell you with a very, very high certainty 519 00:25:24,900 --> 00:25:28,000 that he won't recover meaningful brain function. 520 00:25:28,033 --> 00:25:30,100 (crying): Oh, no. 521 00:25:30,133 --> 00:25:34,133 (family sobbing) 522 00:25:34,166 --> 00:25:36,900 KUTSOGIANNIS: So we're left at this circumstance 523 00:25:36,933 --> 00:25:39,233 where... What do you...? 524 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:44,600 I don't think any family would want an individual 525 00:25:44,633 --> 00:25:47,600 to be left on life support in this circumstance, 526 00:25:47,633 --> 00:25:49,666 in the long run. 527 00:25:49,700 --> 00:25:54,566 BABCHISHIN: So what you're also saying, there is no miracle? 528 00:25:54,600 --> 00:25:56,200 I'm saying that I can tell you with... 529 00:25:56,233 --> 00:25:57,800 It's done, yeah. Yeah, pretty good. 530 00:25:57,833 --> 00:26:00,633 We don't want to make an error in this situation, 531 00:26:00,666 --> 00:26:02,633 because you can understand, it's someone's life, so... 532 00:26:02,666 --> 00:26:06,600 Yes, I understand what you've.... 533 00:26:09,733 --> 00:26:12,100 Well, I think at this stage, 534 00:26:12,133 --> 00:26:16,700 I'd recommend that he, in the long term-- 535 00:26:16,733 --> 00:26:20,400 by that I mean days-- not stay on life support, 536 00:26:20,433 --> 00:26:23,633 because we're really prolonging the dying process. 537 00:26:23,666 --> 00:26:25,400 BABCHISHIN: Les, what do you think? 538 00:26:25,433 --> 00:26:26,633 Yeah. 539 00:26:26,666 --> 00:26:30,600 I just want to be by Matthew's side. 540 00:26:30,633 --> 00:26:32,466 Now I know I'm saying goodbye. 541 00:26:32,500 --> 00:26:35,766 He's such a special boy. 542 00:26:35,800 --> 00:26:38,300 I personally would like it the sooner the better, 543 00:26:38,333 --> 00:26:39,900 because I don't want him to be 544 00:26:39,933 --> 00:26:41,833 in this comatose state. 545 00:26:41,866 --> 00:26:43,166 All I want to do is hold my boy 546 00:26:43,200 --> 00:26:47,933 for the last couple of days or hours that I have. 547 00:26:47,966 --> 00:26:51,033 KUTSOGIANNIS: I have one more thing that I want to discuss. 548 00:26:51,066 --> 00:26:52,433 Yeah, mm-hmm. 549 00:26:52,466 --> 00:26:53,766 It's an obligation on my part by law, too. 550 00:26:53,800 --> 00:26:55,200 Mm-hmm, I know what you're gonna talk about. 551 00:26:55,233 --> 00:26:56,433 Yes. 552 00:26:56,466 --> 00:26:59,466 And that is the issue of organ and tissue donation. 553 00:26:59,500 --> 00:27:02,333 But it's an introduction to that, 554 00:27:02,366 --> 00:27:04,466 to think about, to discuss, 555 00:27:04,500 --> 00:27:06,533 and we can have another discussion tomorrow 556 00:27:06,566 --> 00:27:09,100 regarding that. 557 00:27:09,133 --> 00:27:12,200 ♪ 558 00:27:12,233 --> 00:27:14,333 BABCHISHIN: I love you. 559 00:27:15,866 --> 00:27:17,533 Thank you. KUTSOGIANNIS: You're welcome. 560 00:27:22,933 --> 00:27:24,033 ♪ 561 00:27:24,066 --> 00:27:25,800 KEITH: I love you so much. 562 00:27:25,833 --> 00:27:29,800 (crying): I love you, Matthew, I love you so much, Matthew. 563 00:27:29,833 --> 00:27:31,466 I love you so much. 564 00:27:31,500 --> 00:27:34,100 (Keith sobbing) 565 00:27:37,133 --> 00:27:39,000 ♪ 566 00:27:39,033 --> 00:27:43,400 NARRATOR: For Matthew's family, this is the end of hope. 567 00:27:43,433 --> 00:27:46,566 (sobbing) 568 00:27:50,433 --> 00:27:52,233 And in the face of their loss, 569 00:27:52,266 --> 00:27:55,766 they must make a profound decision. 570 00:27:55,800 --> 00:27:57,566 There's a narrow window of time 571 00:27:57,600 --> 00:28:00,133 to decide whether part of him 572 00:28:00,166 --> 00:28:03,900 could save the life of someone else. 573 00:28:03,933 --> 00:28:06,066 (all sniffling) 574 00:28:10,400 --> 00:28:15,200 ♪ 575 00:28:19,966 --> 00:28:24,200 Surgeon James Shapiro understands the urgency. 576 00:28:24,233 --> 00:28:27,800 Many of his patients are dying on the transplant wait list. 577 00:28:27,833 --> 00:28:29,266 SHAPIRO: Hello, David-- morning, how are you? 578 00:28:29,300 --> 00:28:30,633 DAVID: Oh, still pretty sore. 579 00:28:30,666 --> 00:28:32,533 You probably want some Creon. 580 00:28:32,566 --> 00:28:34,666 Good morning. MAN: Morning, sir. 581 00:28:34,700 --> 00:28:36,033 He didn't get dialyzed over the weekend? 582 00:28:36,066 --> 00:28:37,766 Yesterday they didn't send him out to do it. Okay. 583 00:28:37,800 --> 00:28:40,466 You might need to go back to the dialysis again 584 00:28:40,500 --> 00:28:42,900 a little but after the surgery, it's always a possibility. 585 00:28:42,933 --> 00:28:44,400 We'll see you later. 586 00:28:44,433 --> 00:28:46,100 SHAPIRO: We're desperately short of organ donors. 587 00:28:46,133 --> 00:28:49,100 A quarter of our patients will die waiting for a transplant. 588 00:28:49,133 --> 00:28:51,166 Some of them will wait years for a transplant, 589 00:28:51,200 --> 00:28:52,233 in certain blood groups. 590 00:28:52,266 --> 00:28:53,966 Some of them will go straight, you know, 591 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:55,066 close to the top of the list, 592 00:28:55,100 --> 00:28:56,333 because they're so sick. 593 00:28:56,366 --> 00:28:57,700 Many people will die waiting 594 00:28:57,733 --> 00:28:59,333 because an organ doesn't come in time. 595 00:28:59,366 --> 00:29:02,233 (talking indistinctly) 596 00:29:02,266 --> 00:29:04,566 NARRATOR: The shortage of organs 597 00:29:04,600 --> 00:29:09,000 means many patients get sicker and sicker as they wait. 598 00:29:09,033 --> 00:29:11,633 (murmuring) 599 00:29:11,666 --> 00:29:13,300 You all ready for your big day? 600 00:29:13,333 --> 00:29:14,833 (chuckles): Yeah. 601 00:29:14,866 --> 00:29:15,966 Yeah? 602 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:17,766 Scared, but all ready. 603 00:29:17,800 --> 00:29:19,533 That's normal. 604 00:29:19,566 --> 00:29:23,633 NARRATOR: Pat Fisher is in end-stage liver failure. 605 00:29:23,666 --> 00:29:25,866 It's gonna be a good day. 606 00:29:25,900 --> 00:29:27,366 (crying): Yeah. 607 00:29:27,400 --> 00:29:28,600 Yeah. 608 00:29:29,866 --> 00:29:32,233 NARRATOR: She's been waiting for weeks-- 609 00:29:32,266 --> 00:29:34,966 and finally, there's a matching donor. 610 00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:36,466 (gasping) 611 00:29:36,500 --> 00:29:39,566 But by now, Pat is very weak. 612 00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:42,733 This will make her transplant even riskier. 613 00:29:42,766 --> 00:29:43,700 Ouch. 614 00:29:43,733 --> 00:29:44,800 HODGETT: The end result would be, 615 00:29:44,833 --> 00:29:48,066 if she doesn't get this now, 616 00:29:48,100 --> 00:29:51,466 within three months, I don't think she would be here anyway. 617 00:29:51,500 --> 00:29:53,166 So that's how critical it is. 618 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:55,066 It was a very tight timeline for her. 619 00:29:55,100 --> 00:29:56,366 (moaning) 620 00:29:56,400 --> 00:29:58,233 SHAPIRO: She has what we call a high meld score, 621 00:29:58,266 --> 00:30:00,166 which means that the liver's been very diseased, 622 00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:03,200 very scarred, lot of pressure in the veins, 623 00:30:03,233 --> 00:30:04,400 lot of risk of bleeding. 624 00:30:04,433 --> 00:30:06,700 This is big surgery. 625 00:30:06,733 --> 00:30:09,000 This isn't just routine. 626 00:30:09,033 --> 00:30:10,666 There's nothing routine about this. 627 00:30:10,700 --> 00:30:17,633 ♪ 628 00:30:17,666 --> 00:30:22,233 I'm so scared. 629 00:30:22,266 --> 00:30:25,100 Don't always get a second chance. 630 00:30:25,133 --> 00:30:28,700 This is it, this is your second chance. 631 00:30:28,733 --> 00:30:33,566 ♪ 632 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:35,633 SHAPIRO: We've just clamped the major vein for the liver, 633 00:30:35,666 --> 00:30:37,766 the vena cava. 634 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:39,833 So we're about to cut the liver out. 635 00:30:39,866 --> 00:30:43,566 All right, so here comes the liver. 636 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:45,200 Can you see how horribly diseased this liver is? 637 00:30:45,233 --> 00:30:47,000 It really is, it's horrible, yeah? 638 00:30:48,333 --> 00:30:50,233 So actually, she required a little bit of resuscitation. 639 00:30:50,266 --> 00:30:52,033 Okay. Okay. 640 00:30:52,066 --> 00:30:54,900 NARRATOR: With a patient as fragile as Pat, 641 00:30:54,933 --> 00:30:58,400 the surgeons are working at the limits of medicine. 642 00:30:58,433 --> 00:31:00,600 HODGETT: You can't say that it's definitive 643 00:31:00,633 --> 00:31:03,066 that she's gonna be all right, right? 644 00:31:03,100 --> 00:31:05,166 There could be lots of problems, 645 00:31:05,200 --> 00:31:09,000 and the end result of some of them is death, right? 646 00:31:09,033 --> 00:31:11,666 So it's not fair, 647 00:31:11,700 --> 00:31:14,900 but these things happen in life, and that's the way it is. 648 00:31:14,933 --> 00:31:18,066 And it's go salad bowl, three, two, one, in we go. 649 00:31:18,100 --> 00:31:20,200 Now the liver enters the field. 650 00:31:20,233 --> 00:31:24,766 ♪ 651 00:31:24,800 --> 00:31:28,733 NARRATOR: As expected, Pat's transplant is difficult. 652 00:31:28,766 --> 00:31:31,066 It takes the entire night to complete. 653 00:31:35,933 --> 00:31:38,933 So we're ready to unclamp in about 30 seconds, Tim. 654 00:31:38,966 --> 00:31:40,000 All right. 655 00:31:40,033 --> 00:31:44,500 ♪ 656 00:31:44,533 --> 00:31:46,266 When you watch a new organ come to life like this, 657 00:31:46,300 --> 00:31:48,800 the patient's own blood fills the organ 658 00:31:48,833 --> 00:31:50,500 and it starts to function, 659 00:31:50,533 --> 00:31:53,166 it never fails to, you know, give me some thrill. 660 00:31:54,900 --> 00:31:58,500 It still, still gives me a kick, even now. 661 00:31:58,533 --> 00:32:00,033 Good job. 662 00:32:00,066 --> 00:32:02,666 SHAPIRO: Somebody has end-stage liver disease 663 00:32:02,700 --> 00:32:03,666 at one moment, 664 00:32:03,700 --> 00:32:05,066 you release the clamps 665 00:32:05,100 --> 00:32:07,833 and now they suddenly have a new chance at life again. 666 00:32:07,866 --> 00:32:08,966 It's exciting, you know, 667 00:32:09,000 --> 00:32:10,500 and that's what transplant's about. 668 00:32:10,533 --> 00:32:13,166 And of course, it, you know, saves lives, 669 00:32:13,200 --> 00:32:16,633 it helps people, transforms lives. 670 00:32:17,733 --> 00:32:20,200 It's a, it's a... 671 00:32:20,233 --> 00:32:24,733 wonderful privilege to be part of that. 672 00:32:24,766 --> 00:32:30,200 ♪ 673 00:32:34,066 --> 00:32:38,733 NARRATOR: Pat's new liver begins working right away, 674 00:32:38,766 --> 00:32:41,266 but she has many other complications, 675 00:32:41,300 --> 00:32:43,700 including a series of life-threatening infections 676 00:32:43,733 --> 00:32:46,400 that are resistant to antibiotics. 677 00:32:46,433 --> 00:32:48,300 It takes four months 678 00:32:48,333 --> 00:32:52,333 of round-the-clock intensive care 679 00:32:52,366 --> 00:32:55,300 before she's finally well enough to move to a regular ward. 680 00:32:59,566 --> 00:33:01,566 FISHER: Oh, is this Dr. Shapiro? 681 00:33:01,600 --> 00:33:04,000 SHAPIRO: It is. 682 00:33:04,033 --> 00:33:05,100 Oh, hello. 683 00:33:05,133 --> 00:33:06,200 Pat, how are you? 684 00:33:06,233 --> 00:33:07,966 Good. 685 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:09,266 Very nice to see you again. 686 00:33:09,300 --> 00:33:12,333 I'll come in to shake your hand in a second. 687 00:33:12,366 --> 00:33:14,000 Been a long haul, hasn't it? 688 00:33:14,033 --> 00:33:15,266 Too long. Yeah. 689 00:33:15,300 --> 00:33:17,966 Yeah, but I did it. 690 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:18,900 You really did. 691 00:33:18,933 --> 00:33:21,300 Difficult transplant. Yeah. 692 00:33:21,333 --> 00:33:22,800 You were very, very, very sick. 693 00:33:22,833 --> 00:33:25,066 Yeah, and this liver's worked very well for you. 694 00:33:25,100 --> 00:33:27,500 SHAPIRO: When you set on a journey with transplant, 695 00:33:27,533 --> 00:33:30,433 you're taking an organ that can save somebody's life. 696 00:33:30,466 --> 00:33:32,166 And once you've made that commitment, 697 00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:34,766 you've got to make sure that you do everything possible 698 00:33:34,800 --> 00:33:36,100 to get a successful outcome. 699 00:33:36,133 --> 00:33:39,500 Others will approach you and say, "This is hopeless. 700 00:33:39,533 --> 00:33:41,933 "You've been here for three months now, 701 00:33:41,966 --> 00:33:43,200 "we're making no headway, 702 00:33:43,233 --> 00:33:47,200 we should just pull the plug and let the person die." 703 00:33:47,233 --> 00:33:49,000 But we've got to think more 704 00:33:49,033 --> 00:33:50,633 than how much is a person's life worth 705 00:33:50,666 --> 00:33:52,833 and how much to give, how much not to give. 706 00:33:52,866 --> 00:33:54,466 You've got to think about the value of the organ. 707 00:33:54,500 --> 00:33:55,966 You have a huge responsibility 708 00:33:56,000 --> 00:33:59,800 to the organ donor family and to the organ 709 00:33:59,833 --> 00:34:01,300 to do what it's meant to do, 710 00:34:01,333 --> 00:34:03,233 which is to save a life. 711 00:34:03,266 --> 00:34:04,333 Very lovely to see you, Pat. 712 00:34:04,366 --> 00:34:05,800 Yeah, it's nice to have met you. 713 00:34:05,833 --> 00:34:08,133 My lifesaver. Well, likewise, 714 00:34:08,166 --> 00:34:10,466 it's been a pleasure to look after you-- 715 00:34:10,500 --> 00:34:13,566 great pleasure to look after you. 716 00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:15,666 (crying) Have a hug. 717 00:34:15,699 --> 00:34:18,766 There we go. 718 00:34:18,800 --> 00:34:20,000 All right. There. 719 00:34:20,033 --> 00:34:21,666 Good luck in rehab. 720 00:34:21,699 --> 00:34:22,666 Keep your spirits up. 721 00:34:22,699 --> 00:34:24,666 Lovely to see you, Pat. 722 00:34:24,699 --> 00:34:27,233 Okay, bye-bye. 723 00:34:27,266 --> 00:34:28,833 NARRATOR: Despite her struggles, 724 00:34:28,866 --> 00:34:31,800 Pat is still one of the lucky ones. 725 00:34:31,833 --> 00:34:34,566 Hundreds of people die in Canada each year 726 00:34:34,600 --> 00:34:36,533 waiting for transplants, 727 00:34:36,566 --> 00:34:39,066 and thousands in the United States. 728 00:34:39,100 --> 00:34:44,366 ♪ 729 00:34:44,400 --> 00:34:46,666 At the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, 730 00:34:46,699 --> 00:34:49,366 Doris Taylor and her team are taking a new approach 731 00:34:49,400 --> 00:34:52,900 to addressing the organ shortage. 732 00:34:52,933 --> 00:34:54,966 Let's try the light on this one 733 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:56,500 and see if we can get a good image 734 00:34:56,533 --> 00:34:57,600 of the vasculature. 735 00:34:57,633 --> 00:35:00,366 Okay? 736 00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:03,300 TAYLOR: As the number of people who need organs goes up, 737 00:35:03,333 --> 00:35:05,800 the number of donors has plateaued. 738 00:35:05,833 --> 00:35:08,933 What that means is, we had to find new solutions. 739 00:35:08,966 --> 00:35:12,566 NARRATOR: The new solutions they're working on 740 00:35:12,600 --> 00:35:16,766 start with donated organs that are not suitable for transplant. 741 00:35:16,800 --> 00:35:19,466 TAYLOR: We take an organ, a cadaveric organ 742 00:35:19,500 --> 00:35:24,566 that couldn't otherwise be used for transplant. 743 00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:28,233 And we strip that organ of its cells 744 00:35:28,266 --> 00:35:31,233 by using a detergent or other solution 745 00:35:31,266 --> 00:35:36,366 to basically wash those cells 746 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:39,300 out of the existing organ scaffold. 747 00:35:39,333 --> 00:35:44,666 And what's left is what we call the extracellular matrix. 748 00:35:44,700 --> 00:35:46,866 When you wash the cells out, 749 00:35:46,900 --> 00:35:49,833 what you have left is that underlying framework 750 00:35:49,866 --> 00:35:51,166 where the cells sit 751 00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:53,733 that looks like heart, looks like a liver, 752 00:35:53,766 --> 00:35:55,000 looks like a kidney, 753 00:35:55,033 --> 00:35:59,700 because it is a heart, a kidney, a liver framework. 754 00:35:59,733 --> 00:36:04,133 NARRATOR: Building a new organ starts with stem cells 755 00:36:04,166 --> 00:36:06,766 that could come from a patient's own body. 756 00:36:06,800 --> 00:36:10,000 TAYLOR: Stem cells are simply cells that can do two things. 757 00:36:10,033 --> 00:36:14,400 They can make more of themselves, self-renew, 758 00:36:14,433 --> 00:36:16,900 and they can differentiate 759 00:36:16,933 --> 00:36:21,166 or become different kinds of cells. 760 00:36:21,200 --> 00:36:23,700 RESEARCHER: It's good, there are no clumps. 761 00:36:23,733 --> 00:36:25,600 WOMAN: No clumps? No. 762 00:36:25,633 --> 00:36:27,066 No clumps and lots of cells. 763 00:36:27,100 --> 00:36:28,166 Yes. I'm excited. 764 00:36:28,200 --> 00:36:31,233 NARRATOR: The stem cells they're using 765 00:36:31,266 --> 00:36:33,933 don't yet have a specific function, 766 00:36:33,966 --> 00:36:36,333 but when they're infused into the organ framework, 767 00:36:36,366 --> 00:36:39,800 an amazing thing happens. 768 00:36:39,833 --> 00:36:42,900 TAYLOR: Those stem cells seem to get cues 769 00:36:42,933 --> 00:36:45,733 from that matrix 770 00:36:45,766 --> 00:36:50,100 about where to go and what to become. 771 00:36:50,133 --> 00:36:52,700 There are biologic cues in there 772 00:36:52,733 --> 00:36:56,666 that say, "Oh, I should be a muscle cell here. 773 00:36:56,700 --> 00:36:59,966 "I should be a blood vessel here. 774 00:37:00,000 --> 00:37:03,900 I should be an artery here and a vein here." 775 00:37:03,933 --> 00:37:08,033 And we can put cells in 776 00:37:08,066 --> 00:37:10,733 and have them migrate to the right place. 777 00:37:12,433 --> 00:37:14,566 NARRATOR: But getting stem cells to the right place 778 00:37:14,600 --> 00:37:16,866 is only the first step. 779 00:37:16,900 --> 00:37:21,566 The real question is, "Will the organs work?" 780 00:37:21,600 --> 00:37:24,033 Can they build a heart 781 00:37:24,066 --> 00:37:27,066 that will actually pump blood and beat? 782 00:37:27,100 --> 00:37:30,133 ♪ 783 00:37:30,166 --> 00:37:31,666 TAYLOR: Right. 784 00:37:31,700 --> 00:37:36,166 NARRATOR: Each heart spends several days in a special incubator 785 00:37:36,200 --> 00:37:38,433 that mimics the body's natural environment. 786 00:37:38,466 --> 00:37:39,833 Too close-- here, I'll... 787 00:37:39,866 --> 00:37:41,966 NARRATOR: Then the heart is removed from the incubator 788 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,233 and a flow of nutrients is pumped through it 789 00:37:44,266 --> 00:37:46,266 to see if it will beat. 790 00:37:46,300 --> 00:37:48,866 TAYLOR: You can see the vessels. 791 00:37:48,900 --> 00:37:50,333 That's gorgeous. 792 00:37:50,366 --> 00:37:52,033 RESEARCHER: And what's beautiful is, 793 00:37:52,066 --> 00:37:53,333 you can see that there's actually even blood flowing 794 00:37:53,366 --> 00:37:54,766 to the coronaries. Yeah. 795 00:37:54,800 --> 00:37:56,366 RESEARCHER: There's an air embolus, 796 00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:57,300 but, I mean, you can see it. 797 00:37:57,333 --> 00:37:58,766 That's awesome. Yeah. 798 00:37:58,800 --> 00:38:01,033 It feels really good. 799 00:38:01,066 --> 00:38:02,900 RESEARCHER: Yeah, yeah. 800 00:38:02,933 --> 00:38:04,466 TAYLOR: When you could take that heart, 801 00:38:04,500 --> 00:38:06,833 take cells that you were growing in the lab 802 00:38:06,866 --> 00:38:09,900 and transplant them back in and have them beat again, 803 00:38:09,933 --> 00:38:13,233 that was one of the "wow" moments in my life. 804 00:38:13,266 --> 00:38:14,900 TAYLOR: Good, good. 805 00:38:14,933 --> 00:38:16,533 Turn it just... 806 00:38:16,566 --> 00:38:19,200 (woman speaking in distance) 807 00:38:19,233 --> 00:38:20,233 TAYLOR: Yes. 808 00:38:20,266 --> 00:38:21,866 Yes, nice. 809 00:38:21,900 --> 00:38:26,866 Everything that could have gone wrong didn't. 810 00:38:26,900 --> 00:38:29,633 It was, it was just... 811 00:38:29,666 --> 00:38:30,900 a home run. 812 00:38:30,933 --> 00:38:33,333 NARRATOR: These hearts are not yet ready 813 00:38:33,366 --> 00:38:35,933 for human transplant. 814 00:38:35,966 --> 00:38:37,533 But Taylor believes 815 00:38:37,566 --> 00:38:40,366 organs by design could someday save the lives 816 00:38:40,400 --> 00:38:42,266 of thousands of patients. 817 00:38:42,300 --> 00:38:44,533 This one's still under way, right? 818 00:38:44,566 --> 00:38:47,266 NARRATOR: Her team is also experimenting 819 00:38:47,300 --> 00:38:50,800 with building lungs, livers, and kidneys. 820 00:38:50,833 --> 00:38:52,366 TAYLOR: What we're talking about 821 00:38:52,400 --> 00:38:56,633 is potentially having off-the-shelf tissues. 822 00:38:56,666 --> 00:39:01,933 They're, they're two pieces to that that are revolutionary. 823 00:39:01,966 --> 00:39:04,633 One, we can potentially build an organ. 824 00:39:04,666 --> 00:39:07,800 Two, we can build an organ that matches their body, 825 00:39:07,833 --> 00:39:12,200 because as you know, when you get a transplant, 826 00:39:12,233 --> 00:39:15,333 you're essentially trading your original disease 827 00:39:15,366 --> 00:39:17,600 for another disease, 828 00:39:17,633 --> 00:39:21,533 which is fighting rejection for the rest of your life. 829 00:39:21,566 --> 00:39:25,666 I'll be happy when we do our first clinical trial. 830 00:39:25,700 --> 00:39:27,933 I'll be happier when there are enough organs 831 00:39:27,966 --> 00:39:29,466 for patients who need them. 832 00:39:29,500 --> 00:39:33,133 NARRATOR: Research like Taylor's 833 00:39:33,166 --> 00:39:35,500 could transform transplant medicine. 834 00:39:35,533 --> 00:39:36,566 But for many patients, 835 00:39:36,600 --> 00:39:40,166 these advances will come too late. 836 00:39:40,200 --> 00:39:43,833 I came here for a two-hour doctor's appointment. 837 00:39:46,200 --> 00:39:48,000 Been here ever since. 838 00:39:52,566 --> 00:39:55,266 Waiting sucks. 839 00:39:57,866 --> 00:40:00,333 (equipment hissing) 840 00:40:00,366 --> 00:40:01,800 NARRATOR: Eight months ago, 841 00:40:01,833 --> 00:40:04,566 Willis Wood's heart began to fail. 842 00:40:04,600 --> 00:40:05,800 As he waits for a donor, 843 00:40:05,833 --> 00:40:08,833 he's being kept alive by an external pump 844 00:40:08,866 --> 00:40:10,800 that circulates his blood. 845 00:40:10,833 --> 00:40:12,700 There have been no matches. 846 00:40:12,733 --> 00:40:16,800 And his doctor knows time is running out. 847 00:40:16,833 --> 00:40:19,200 I need really big breaths this time. 848 00:40:19,233 --> 00:40:20,833 (breathing deeply) 849 00:40:20,866 --> 00:40:23,266 So you're probably the highest-status person 850 00:40:23,300 --> 00:40:25,733 in Alberta right now. Yeah? 851 00:40:25,766 --> 00:40:28,500 You're a big guy and this is why it's become difficult. 852 00:40:28,533 --> 00:40:30,233 The organs that I've seen that have come in 853 00:40:30,266 --> 00:40:31,933 are about 60 to 70 kilos. 854 00:40:31,966 --> 00:40:33,366 That's, like, 60 pounds smaller. 855 00:40:33,400 --> 00:40:34,766 That's a small child, right? 856 00:40:34,800 --> 00:40:35,800 Yeah. 857 00:40:35,833 --> 00:40:37,500 So if there's an organ for a heart 858 00:40:37,533 --> 00:40:41,300 that's anywhere between 80 to 90, 859 00:40:41,333 --> 00:40:42,733 Dr. Mullen in Edmonton and Dr. Kim have agreed 860 00:40:42,766 --> 00:40:44,033 that we will go ahead and do it 861 00:40:44,066 --> 00:40:46,400 if it's a perfect match otherwise. Yeah. 862 00:40:46,433 --> 00:40:48,033 He's on call for the weekend, 863 00:40:48,066 --> 00:40:49,800 I'm on call for the weekend, 864 00:40:49,833 --> 00:40:51,600 so if we get a heart... I'm on call for the weekend. 865 00:40:51,633 --> 00:40:52,833 You're on-- I know, you're always on call. 866 00:40:52,866 --> 00:40:55,333 And I'll be here the whole weekend, 867 00:40:55,366 --> 00:40:57,700 so I'll keep you updated every day, okay? 868 00:40:57,733 --> 00:41:00,533 Anything else I can help you with? 869 00:41:00,566 --> 00:41:02,300 Find me a heart. 870 00:41:02,333 --> 00:41:03,533 I'm on it. 871 00:41:03,566 --> 00:41:05,233 Okay, talk to you later. 872 00:41:05,266 --> 00:41:07,566 Okay, thank you, sir. 873 00:41:07,600 --> 00:41:09,500 (woman talking in background) 874 00:41:09,533 --> 00:41:11,233 NARRATOR: There just aren't many donor hearts 875 00:41:11,266 --> 00:41:14,633 large enough for Willis. 876 00:41:14,666 --> 00:41:18,733 But if he gets any weaker, he won't survive a transplant. 877 00:41:18,766 --> 00:41:22,100 (equipment beeping) 878 00:41:25,900 --> 00:41:30,066 (crying): I have grandchildren. 879 00:41:30,100 --> 00:41:32,166 That's what it really means to me. 880 00:41:37,766 --> 00:41:38,866 It's... 881 00:41:38,900 --> 00:41:42,800 I want to get out and do things with them. 882 00:41:45,533 --> 00:41:50,166 And I'm willing to fight for that. 883 00:41:50,200 --> 00:41:56,066 If it was just for me, I'd have probably gave up. 884 00:41:56,100 --> 00:42:00,766 But... 885 00:42:00,800 --> 00:42:03,266 I want to be there for my grandkids. 886 00:42:05,533 --> 00:42:09,166 ♪ 887 00:42:09,200 --> 00:42:13,966 NARRATOR: Meanwhile, Matthew Babchishin is still on life support. 888 00:42:14,000 --> 00:42:15,866 Scott Gordon from the HOPE team 889 00:42:15,900 --> 00:42:18,633 has come to discuss his family's decision 890 00:42:18,666 --> 00:42:21,266 about organ donation. 891 00:42:21,300 --> 00:42:22,866 Thank you for coming. 892 00:42:22,900 --> 00:42:23,900 Yeah. 893 00:42:23,933 --> 00:42:26,233 I'm sorry that... I mean... 894 00:42:26,266 --> 00:42:28,033 (weeping) 895 00:42:28,066 --> 00:42:29,033 Yeah. 896 00:42:29,066 --> 00:42:30,566 These are all the have-tos in life 897 00:42:30,600 --> 00:42:33,466 that you never prepare yourself for, right? 898 00:42:33,500 --> 00:42:36,733 If we could do any good, Matthew would want that. 899 00:42:38,100 --> 00:42:40,200 BABCHISHIN: Matthew was born here, 900 00:42:40,233 --> 00:42:43,233 and it's kind of sad 901 00:42:43,266 --> 00:42:44,700 that he started his life and finished his life 902 00:42:44,733 --> 00:42:45,733 in this hospital. 903 00:42:45,766 --> 00:42:48,300 We were so proud that he was born here. 904 00:42:48,333 --> 00:42:52,000 So we have all agreed that we will... 905 00:42:52,033 --> 00:42:55,133 Matthew's organs are to... it will be donated. 906 00:42:55,166 --> 00:42:58,566 That is a given. Which are listed as, like you said... 907 00:42:58,600 --> 00:43:00,966 Yeah, I can go through all that specifically. 908 00:43:01,000 --> 00:43:02,866 Yeah. 909 00:43:02,900 --> 00:43:04,400 When it comes to the tissue, 910 00:43:04,433 --> 00:43:09,833 we did not realize part of the skin part 911 00:43:09,866 --> 00:43:12,500 was, to the degree. 912 00:43:12,533 --> 00:43:14,100 And we did not realize the need for it 913 00:43:14,133 --> 00:43:15,900 at the same time. 914 00:43:15,933 --> 00:43:18,900 I just want to donate the organs, 915 00:43:18,933 --> 00:43:20,633 and I'm not comfortable with the tissue at all. 916 00:43:20,666 --> 00:43:22,366 I know it would be going against Matthew's wishes. 917 00:43:22,400 --> 00:43:25,366 KEITH: I'm not comfortable with it, either. 918 00:43:25,400 --> 00:43:26,533 I want to keep that intact. 919 00:43:26,566 --> 00:43:29,000 I've had Matthew taken from me, 920 00:43:29,033 --> 00:43:30,233 he's giving his organs, 921 00:43:30,266 --> 00:43:31,966 he's lost his life. 922 00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:35,366 I'm just going for how I feel. 923 00:43:39,266 --> 00:43:40,433 Can we just... let's move forward, okay? 924 00:43:40,466 --> 00:43:43,133 We're moving too slowly for me, I need... 925 00:43:43,166 --> 00:43:44,733 Let's, let's, let's move forward. 926 00:43:44,766 --> 00:43:47,200 You know, let's, we're being all this delicate, 927 00:43:47,233 --> 00:43:50,000 and I need to get to my son, let's move forward. 928 00:43:50,033 --> 00:43:51,000 BABCHISHIN: Let's do it. 929 00:43:51,033 --> 00:43:52,433 KEITH: Just do it. 930 00:43:52,466 --> 00:43:56,966 ♪ 931 00:43:57,000 --> 00:44:00,833 BABCHISHIN: Given the person that we know Matthew was, 932 00:44:00,866 --> 00:44:04,000 we would know that this is what he would have wanted. 933 00:44:04,033 --> 00:44:08,633 He would have done it without hesitation. 934 00:44:08,666 --> 00:44:15,333 ♪ 935 00:44:15,366 --> 00:44:16,900 (breathing heavily) 936 00:44:23,566 --> 00:44:25,366 God. 937 00:44:25,400 --> 00:44:28,966 Oh, my God, oh, my God. 938 00:44:31,966 --> 00:44:34,800 (voice trembling): Oh, Matthew, 939 00:44:34,833 --> 00:44:38,333 you should be filling out that form for me. 940 00:44:41,400 --> 00:44:43,933 (sobbing): Why did I have to fill that out for you? 941 00:44:43,966 --> 00:44:45,600 (phone ringing) 942 00:44:45,633 --> 00:44:46,566 ELGERT (voiceover): Karen speaking. 943 00:44:46,600 --> 00:44:47,666 KAPASI (on phone): Hi, Karen. 944 00:44:47,700 --> 00:44:48,900 Hi, Ali. 945 00:44:48,933 --> 00:44:51,733 We're trying to rush this as quickly as possible. 946 00:44:51,766 --> 00:44:53,766 This is a 28-year-old male, 947 00:44:53,800 --> 00:44:58,966 84 centimeters and 101 kilograms. 948 00:44:59,000 --> 00:45:02,266 NARRATOR: Matthew's death is just hours away. 949 00:45:02,300 --> 00:45:05,633 A huge effort has begun to save his organs, 950 00:45:05,666 --> 00:45:09,100 and a handful of people across Canada 951 00:45:09,133 --> 00:45:13,466 have just gotten the call that could save their lives. 952 00:45:13,500 --> 00:45:17,000 (helicopter engine running) 953 00:45:17,033 --> 00:45:19,400 ♪ 954 00:45:19,433 --> 00:45:20,766 I need to talk to Darren. 955 00:45:20,800 --> 00:45:21,966 Do you want me to page him? 956 00:45:22,000 --> 00:45:24,133 Yeah, I need to page him. 957 00:45:24,166 --> 00:45:27,566 NARRATOR: Before Matthew's life support is withdrawn, 958 00:45:27,600 --> 00:45:31,300 surgical teams and transplant recipients all over the country 959 00:45:31,333 --> 00:45:33,900 must be ready. 960 00:45:33,933 --> 00:45:36,166 Delays are inevitable. 961 00:45:36,200 --> 00:45:41,866 KEITH: Oh, no, this is so unfair. 962 00:45:41,900 --> 00:45:44,233 (sobbing): This is so unfair. 963 00:45:44,266 --> 00:45:46,633 The O.R. has delayed. 964 00:45:46,666 --> 00:45:48,366 They would like to delay for one hour. 965 00:45:48,400 --> 00:45:49,633 WOMAN: Just a second. 966 00:45:49,666 --> 00:45:51,233 Okay. 967 00:45:51,266 --> 00:45:52,400 I wonder... 968 00:45:52,433 --> 00:45:56,066 Can I call you at a different phone, Darren? 969 00:45:56,100 --> 00:45:59,533 I want to wake up from this nightmare. 970 00:45:59,566 --> 00:46:01,500 I want to wake up from this nightmare. 971 00:46:01,533 --> 00:46:03,866 Oh, my son. 972 00:46:03,900 --> 00:46:05,633 Oh, my God. 973 00:46:05,666 --> 00:46:06,833 Oh, my God. 974 00:46:09,066 --> 00:46:10,466 NARRATOR: Two floors away, 975 00:46:10,500 --> 00:46:14,433 the operating room is getting ready. 976 00:46:17,666 --> 00:46:21,300 ELGERT: This has been an incredibly stressful time for everyone, 977 00:46:21,333 --> 00:46:23,166 because it's been so busy, 978 00:46:23,200 --> 00:46:25,466 but this is a loss of their son, 979 00:46:25,500 --> 00:46:27,233 and it's been really, really hard on them, 980 00:46:27,266 --> 00:46:29,466 and as always, it's so totally unexpected. 981 00:46:29,500 --> 00:46:32,700 So if we can have, like, five seconds of silence 982 00:46:32,733 --> 00:46:34,666 to just remember the gift that this family 983 00:46:34,700 --> 00:46:38,533 is willing to give through their son. 984 00:46:44,266 --> 00:46:47,100 So they're gonna withdraw life support, like, any minute now. 985 00:46:47,133 --> 00:46:50,266 Okay, what I will need from you in sequence 986 00:46:50,300 --> 00:46:53,033 is the scalpel, the skin knife, 987 00:46:53,066 --> 00:46:54,966 and the saw coulee. 988 00:46:55,000 --> 00:46:58,500 ♪ 989 00:47:03,200 --> 00:47:07,066 ELGERT: Asystole 20:06. 990 00:47:18,400 --> 00:47:21,933 KEITH: Go, Matthew-- go save some lives, Matthew. 991 00:47:21,966 --> 00:47:23,133 Go do it, Matthew. 992 00:47:23,166 --> 00:47:25,266 Goodbye, my son. 993 00:47:25,300 --> 00:47:27,500 Bye, Matthew. 994 00:47:27,533 --> 00:47:29,333 Goodbye, my son. 995 00:47:29,366 --> 00:47:30,366 Goodbye, my son. 996 00:47:30,400 --> 00:47:31,966 I will see you again, Matthew. 997 00:47:32,000 --> 00:47:33,700 WOMAN: I'll call you when we're done, okay? 998 00:47:33,733 --> 00:47:35,333 I'll see you again, Matthew. 999 00:47:35,366 --> 00:47:36,466 I love you, bud. 1000 00:47:36,500 --> 00:47:37,833 I love you, Matthew. 1001 00:47:37,866 --> 00:47:38,966 Goodbye, Matthew. 1002 00:47:39,000 --> 00:47:40,933 I love you, Matthew-- I love you! 1003 00:47:42,600 --> 00:47:45,300 I love you, Matthew! 1004 00:47:45,333 --> 00:47:48,733 (faintly): I love you, my son. 1005 00:47:48,766 --> 00:47:50,900 WOMAN: Okay, so we're going to go in to the right. 1006 00:47:50,933 --> 00:47:52,233 (elevator dings) 1007 00:47:58,066 --> 00:48:02,000 ♪ 1008 00:48:02,033 --> 00:48:03,366 NARRATOR: Off the respirator, 1009 00:48:03,400 --> 00:48:06,766 Matthew's organs are starved of oxygen. 1010 00:48:06,800 --> 00:48:11,600 Everyone knows it's now a race against time. 1011 00:48:11,633 --> 00:48:14,933 ♪ 1012 00:48:18,333 --> 00:48:20,200 ELGERT: Who's checking the I.D.? 1013 00:48:20,233 --> 00:48:21,500 Yeah. 1014 00:48:21,533 --> 00:48:23,666 MAN: That's all right-- that's all right. 1015 00:48:25,500 --> 00:48:26,733 Okay, suction's up. 1016 00:48:26,766 --> 00:48:27,833 Dr. White, give me the skin knife, please. 1017 00:48:27,866 --> 00:48:29,266 Skin knife. 1018 00:48:29,300 --> 00:48:30,566 Knife moving. 1019 00:48:30,600 --> 00:48:31,800 Retractor. 1020 00:48:31,833 --> 00:48:35,766 ♪ 1021 00:48:44,666 --> 00:48:47,100 FREED: We have found you a very good heart. 1022 00:48:47,133 --> 00:48:50,000 Lots of complications that can occur along the way. 1023 00:48:50,033 --> 00:48:52,466 Yeah, well, infection, bleeding, yeah. 1024 00:48:52,500 --> 00:48:53,800 Any one of those things can contribute 1025 00:48:53,833 --> 00:48:55,200 to not actually making it through this whole experience. 1026 00:48:55,233 --> 00:48:56,333 Yeah. 1027 00:48:56,366 --> 00:48:58,266 I'm raring to go. 1028 00:48:58,300 --> 00:49:02,566 I'm ready to start the final leg of this journey. 1029 00:49:02,600 --> 00:49:04,533 (equipment beeping) 1030 00:49:04,566 --> 00:49:08,700 NARRATOR: The identity of Willis's donor is unknown to him 1031 00:49:08,733 --> 00:49:11,933 and to us. 1032 00:49:13,766 --> 00:49:16,200 Matthew's organs went to others. 1033 00:49:16,233 --> 00:49:18,666 ♪ 1034 00:49:43,733 --> 00:49:44,900 Hello. 1035 00:49:50,533 --> 00:49:53,466 KEITH: You know, Matthew is gonna shine down and just, 1036 00:49:53,500 --> 00:49:56,033 just say, "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for doing this, 1037 00:49:56,066 --> 00:49:59,900 and I'm so grateful that you made this decision for me." 1038 00:49:59,933 --> 00:50:01,433 I'm so happy 1039 00:50:01,466 --> 00:50:03,366 where they're doing this for Matt. 1040 00:50:03,400 --> 00:50:07,166 It's all for good, for Matt. 1041 00:50:10,133 --> 00:50:12,500 NARRATOR: Two years after his transplant, 1042 00:50:12,533 --> 00:50:14,566 Willis Wood is fully recovered 1043 00:50:14,600 --> 00:50:16,433 and playing with his grandchildren. 1044 00:50:17,966 --> 00:50:20,966 Unfortunately, Pat Fisher continues to struggle 1045 00:50:21,000 --> 00:50:22,800 with health issues. 1046 00:50:24,433 --> 00:50:28,300 But Harlow Bergen is a healthy toddler. 1047 00:50:31,033 --> 00:50:34,033 SHAPIRO: Taking people near to death's door 1048 00:50:34,066 --> 00:50:35,500 and eventually seeing them go back 1049 00:50:35,533 --> 00:50:36,900 to leading an entirely normal life, 1050 00:50:36,933 --> 00:50:41,300 we know that can happen every time we do a transplant. 1051 00:50:41,333 --> 00:50:45,666 That's what we see time and time again, 1052 00:50:45,700 --> 00:50:48,133 and that's what's rewarding for us. 1053 00:50:48,166 --> 00:50:52,200 SHEMIE: The first thing that we tell people all the time is, 1054 00:50:52,233 --> 00:50:54,166 "Become aware, and whatever you decide, 1055 00:50:54,200 --> 00:50:55,166 "make sure you tell your family, 1056 00:50:55,200 --> 00:50:58,400 "because it will be your family 1057 00:50:58,433 --> 00:51:01,133 "that will be asked to make a decision for you 1058 00:51:01,166 --> 00:51:02,533 "when you're incapacitated, 1059 00:51:02,566 --> 00:51:05,866 and you might die and become a donor." 1060 00:51:07,666 --> 00:51:09,300 ♪ 1061 00:51:09,333 --> 00:51:13,200 BABCHISHIN: Tonight's event is a celebration in memory of Matthew. 1062 00:51:13,233 --> 00:51:19,000 KEITH: We want you to know that Matthew was an organ donor. 1063 00:51:19,033 --> 00:51:22,066 We knew that he would want to give this gift of life 1064 00:51:22,100 --> 00:51:24,766 to someone who needed it. 1065 00:51:26,466 --> 00:51:32,700 ♪ 1066 00:51:45,533 --> 00:51:48,500 ♪ 1067 00:52:14,500 --> 00:52:16,866 NARRATOR: An icon of American engineering. 1068 00:52:16,900 --> 00:52:21,566 One of the longest single-span covered bridges in the world... 1069 00:52:21,600 --> 00:52:24,266 destroyed in a hurricane. 1070 00:52:24,300 --> 00:52:25,533 MAN (moaning): Oh, my God! 1071 00:52:25,566 --> 00:52:27,166 (man shouts) 1072 00:52:27,200 --> 00:52:29,433 NARRATOR: Now an elite team of artisans and engineers 1073 00:52:29,466 --> 00:52:31,366 races to rebuild it 1074 00:52:31,400 --> 00:52:34,633 before rising waters wash it away again. 1075 00:52:34,666 --> 00:52:37,633 "Operation: Bridge Rescue," 1076 00:52:37,666 --> 00:52:39,766 next time, on "NOVA." 1077 00:52:39,800 --> 00:52:43,433 ♪ 1078 00:52:44,433 --> 00:52:46,000 Major funding for "NOVA" 1079 00:52:46,033 --> 00:52:48,200 is provided by the following: 1080 00:52:59,166 --> 00:53:02,333 ♪ 1081 00:53:14,733 --> 00:53:17,566 This "NOVA" program is available on DVD. 1082 00:53:17,600 --> 00:53:23,033 To order, visit shopPBS.org or call 1-800-PLAY-PBS. 1083 00:53:23,066 --> 00:53:26,366 "NOVA" is also available on Amazon Prime Video. 1084 00:53:27,333 --> 00:53:28,366 ♪