Senior producer and documentary editor Elizabeth Hoath is based in Vancouver, B.C. She brings attention to the terrible ordeals that patients have to suffer through while waiting for liver transplants. In her work with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), she tells individual stories that connect with larger issues. One such case is that of Stephanie Azzarello, a woman who found out she wouldn’t be living much longer without a liver transplant. Hoath’s reporting truly humanizes the collective struggle. It hopes to uncover the systemic racism and sexism at play in the complications of organ donation and transplantation.
Azzarello’s journey has come to symbolize the state of disarray that has set in upon the organ transplant system at large. She was met with a terrifying reality when doctors warned her that her condition was serious and time-sensitive. Desperate for a solution, Azzarello turned to social media to help find a liver donor, using the platforms to convey her urgency.
The Struggle for a Lifesaving Organ
When Azzarello got the news of her diagnosis, it was the start of both an emotional and physical struggle. The weight of her situation took a toll on her, prompting her to face the gravity of the upcoming surgery.
“I am very aware that this was a very serious surgery. And so my odds were good, but I also knew that there was a chance that things wouldn’t go the way that we had expected.” – Stephanie Azzarello
Her story underscores a crucial point: the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that many patients experience while awaiting organ transplants. Azzarello’s honesty in admitting her fears is a familiar sentiment among others who find themselves in the same situation.
“I mean, I’m not asking for directions. I’m asking for a vital organ,” she stated, capturing the frustration that comes with navigating a complex medical system.
The urgency of her situation forced her onto the offense, resulting in her widespread campaign for a donor. She expressed the terror she felt as time slipped away, stating, “It was terrifying, but I knew I didn’t have a choice because I was going to die on that list.”
Innovative Solutions for Organ Shortages
In an effort to address the urgent need for transplantable organs, Hoath is working with Dr. Mamatha Bhat. Collectively, they are pioneers in designing new methods to meet this urgent challenge head-on. Much of Dr. Bhat’s advocacy has focused on changing how the entire system prioritizes patients for liver transplants. Her work seeks to build the foundation for a more fair process that gets those who most need it into timely, proactive interventions first.
The challenges facing transplant candidates are not just medical, they are social and systemic. Hoath’s reporting emphasizes how personal stories like Azzarello’s can inform broader discussions on healthcare reform. She humanizes the mothers’ plight, focusing on personal stories and bringing to the forefront the terribly urgent need for change. This necessitates changes in policy and practice within organ donation systems.
Dr. Bhat’s advocacy reflects a growing recognition among healthcare professionals that current protocols may not adequately serve patients in dire need. Her insights are at the forefront of conversation about making the transplant system more accessible and equitable.
The Human Element in Healthcare
In addition to raising awareness about systemic issues, Hoath’s work showcases the profound impact of human connection and compassion in healthcare. People like Azzarello and her would-be donors always have amazing narratives of joy and bravery in the face of trials and tribulations.
Azzarello’s experience is more than about just the medical procedure. As she invents sincere relationships with people who are standing by her through this confusing period. She articulates the gratitude she feels toward her organ donor, stating, “I have this healthy moment given to me by my beautiful organ, by my beautiful organ donor. I just live my life.”
Her personal journey is a remarkable story of resilience and the healing power of service that brings her community together. As new donors come onboard, Azzarello’s story continues to touch their hearts. It makes them consider how their decisions can so deeply affect another person’s life.
