Kidney transplant TV show is a hoax - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

catlover79 · 06-01-2007, 05:25 PM

By TOBY STERLING, Associated Press Writer

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A Dutch television show in which a terminally ill woman would supposedly donate her kidney to one of three contestants was revealed as a hoax Friday.

At the last moment, presenter Patrick Lodiers of the "Big Donor Show" said the woman known as "Lisa" was an actress, not actually dying of a brain tumor as claimed.

The entire exercise was intended to pressure the government into reforming its organ donation laws and raise public awareness of the need for organs.

The three prospective recipients were real patients in need of transplants and had been in on the hoax, the show said.

The program concept had led to widespread criticism for being tasteless and unethical.

But Lodiers said that it was "reality that was shocking" because around 200 people die annually in the Netherlands while waiting for a kidney, and the average waiting time is more than four years.

"I thought it was brilliant, really," said Caroline Klingers, a kidney patient who was watching the show at a kidney treatment center in Bussum, Netherlands.

"I know these transplant doctors, and I thought they'll never go and actually do it. But it's good for the publicity and there are no losers."

The Netherlands' doctors association had called on members not to participate in the program, and questioned its authenticity.

"Given the large medical, psychological, and legal uncertainties around this case, the KNMG considers the chance extremely small that it will ever come to an organ transplant," it said.

The show was produced by Endemol, which created "Big Brother" in 1999, introducing the concept of reality TV.

Viewers were called on to vote for their favorite candidate by SMS text message for euro0.60 per vote during the show.

Earlier in the week, the Cabinet declined suggestions from lawmakers to ban the program, saying that would amount to censorship.

BNN had said the donation would happen before Lisa's death. But doctors often refuse to accept organ donations from terminally ill patients because the operation could hasten their death.

Under Dutch rules, donors must be friends, or preferably family, of the organ recipient. Meeting on a television program wouldn't qualify.

BNN spokeswoman Marieke Saly had said earlier Friday that all arrangements for the program were completed, but she declined to comment on where and when the donation would be carried out.

"It's going through," she said.

Ireneparalegal · 06-01-2007, 05:26 PM

GOOD TO HEAR. However, that is NOT the way to get organ donation to occur in your country! IDIOTS!!!!!

catlover79 · 06-01-2007, 05:28 PM

I'm relieved to hear it too. I just think it's disgusting that people would want to capitalize on things like this.

Zoneboy · 06-01-2007, 09:53 PM

catlover79 · 06-05-2007, 12:11 PM

I'm surprised Dina Lohan wasn't out there trying to get her kids some much-needed attention.

06-01-2007, 05:25 PM	#1
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Kidney transplant TV show is a hoax By TOBY STERLING, Associated Press Writer AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A Dutch television show in which a terminally ill woman would supposedly donate her kidney to one of three contestants was revealed as a hoax Friday. At the last moment, presenter Patrick Lodiers of the "Big Donor Show" said the woman known as "Lisa" was an actress, not actually dying of a brain tumor as claimed. The entire exercise was intended to pressure the government into reforming its organ donation laws and raise public awareness of the need for organs. The three prospective recipients were real patients in need of transplants and had been in on the hoax, the show said. The program concept had led to widespread criticism for being tasteless and unethical. But Lodiers said that it was "reality that was shocking" because around 200 people die annually in the Netherlands while waiting for a kidney, and the average waiting time is more than four years. "I thought it was brilliant, really," said Caroline Klingers, a kidney patient who was watching the show at a kidney treatment center in Bussum, Netherlands. "I know these transplant doctors, and I thought they'll never go and actually do it. But it's good for the publicity and there are no losers." The Netherlands' doctors association had called on members not to participate in the program, and questioned its authenticity. "Given the large medical, psychological, and legal uncertainties around this case, the KNMG considers the chance extremely small that it will ever come to an organ transplant," it said. The show was produced by Endemol, which created "Big Brother" in 1999, introducing the concept of reality TV. Viewers were called on to vote for their favorite candidate by SMS text message for euro0.60 per vote during the show. Earlier in the week, the Cabinet declined suggestions from lawmakers to ban the program, saying that would amount to censorship. BNN had said the donation would happen before Lisa's death. But doctors often refuse to accept organ donations from terminally ill patients because the operation could hasten their death. Under Dutch rules, donors must be friends, or preferably family, of the organ recipient. Meeting on a television program wouldn't qualify. BNN spokeswoman Marieke Saly had said earlier Friday that all arrangements for the program were completed, but she declined to comment on where and when the donation would be carried out. "It's going through," she said.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-01-2007, 05:26 PM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	GOOD TO HEAR. However, that is NOT the way to get organ donation to occur in your country! IDIOTS!!!!!
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

06-01-2007, 09:53 PM	#4
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,390
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-01-2007, 05:28 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I'm relieved to hear it too. I just think it's disgusting that people would want to capitalize on things like this.

06-05-2007, 12:11 PM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I'm surprised Dina Lohan wasn't out there trying to get her kids some much-needed attention.