General Hospital

Was GH's Toddler Transplant realistic? L.A. Times questions it!

March 28, 2011

Daytime soaps are in the news again, and this time it’s not about another cancellation, but of the validity of the recent medical drama on General Hospital involving a brain-dead Jake donating his kidney to baby Josslyn.

The Los Angeles Times today has a very interesting breakdown of the reality of the medical nightmare that faced the children and their parents. The item is written by Marc Siegal who is a associate professor of medicine and medical director of Doctor Radio at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Here is just an excerpt of what Siegal had to say: “If the patient (Jake) loses all essential brain function, he or she could certainly be a kidney donor, provided that blood pressure is maintained at reasonable levels so the kidneys don’t get damaged. However, it’s very unlikely that Josslyn, with cancer in both her kidneys, would require or qualify for a transplant. Kidney cancer in a young child is usually a Wilms tumor, says Dr. William Carroll, professor of pediatric oncology and director of the NYU Cancer Institute. It is generally highly curable with a combination of chemotherapy, partial kidney removal and sometimes radiation. Even if a cancer develops in the remaining kidney, a transplant would still not be indicated. “I’ve never heard of a kidney transplant being needed or used in such a case,” Carroll says.

Unfortunately, Jake’s tragic case and the futile attempt to save him are both fairly realistic. But kidney transplants in infants — along with tortured plots in which ex-lovers with embattled pasts and gravely sick children come together to make heart-rending decisions — occur far more often on “General Hospital” than in the real world.”

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Guest

eiwcakeff

I mentioned on a msg. board before this article came out that it was unrealistic–my niece had this same problem as Joss and transplant was never brought up. The way the writers kept going on and on about chemo and it being poison–well it’s that poison that saves a huge number of people. The whole s/l was crazy and just had me shaking my head especially when by the end of the wk the child was shown sitting up with no ill effects–uh no.
Just another example of GH and it’s weird way of presenting things.

Guest

Susan

The timing of Jake death and Josslyn’s transplant was too quick. Josslyn was not in danger of immediate deaath from Wilms tumor. She should have been placed on chemotherapy until doctors determined if Jake and Josslyn’s blood types were compatable. All of these tests cannot be performed in a day. IMHO, Jake’s death leading to Josslyn’s transplant was totally unrealistic. BJ’s death and Maxie’s transplant was written with a stronger purpose. Jake’s death and Josslyn’s transplant is hurried and didjointed, leaving this viewer extrenely disappointed in TPTB of GH. I know Guza can do better. It seems like Guza’s given… Read more »

General Hospital

GL Alum Kimberly J. Brown Joins the Cast of General Hospital

May 5, 2021

Another daytime favorite is coming to General Hospital. This time its Kimberly J. Brown (Ex-Marah) of Guiding Light fame. She last appeared on the soaps during her from 1993-1998 and then a brief return in 2006

According to Soap Opera Digest, she will make her GH debut next week in a mystery role.

Kimberly worked with two GH powerhouse actresses during her tine on Guiding Light.

She noted to SOD about her time in Springfield: Cynthia Watros (Nina, GH, Ex-Annie Dutton, GL) was my stepmom for a bit, and Laura Wright (Carly, Ex- Cassie, GL) played my aunt.”

Brown has appeared in numerous primetime television shows and motion pictures over the last few decades.

Now the question becomes, who will Kimberly play on GH? Share your theories via the comment section below.

General Hospital

General Hospital and ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’s’ Billie Hayes Dead at 96

May 3, 2021

She was one-of-a-kind, and now actress Billie Hayes has passed away at the age of 96. Hayes’ family announced her death from natural causes on April 29th at Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Hayes was best-known for her unforgettable role as Witchiepoo on the 1969-70 Saturday morning live-action children’s classic H.R. Pufnstuf from Sid and Marty Kroft.

However, daytime fans will remember that then General Hospital executive producer, Gloria Monty, hired Hayes to play the recurring role of the street-smart international spy, Brighton O’Reilly, back in the 80’s series hey day.

GH’s Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Hayes on Monday sharing; “My dear wonderful Billie Hayes has died. Sadly I only got to work with her on GH but it was a magical relationship. Right away Gloria Monty saw something unique and ran with it. I cannot tell you how her passing saddens me.”

Photo:ABC

In story, Brighton O’Reilly was shot and killed by Victor Cassadine back in 1981. Billie told Soap Opera Digest back in 2003 about her time as an agent on GH, and her exit from the series: “I asked Gloria why she killed me off, and Gloria said, ‘To tell you the truth, Billie, we really hemmed and hawed at it. But I decided to do it for selfish reasons. I knew if I killed O’Reilly there’d be such an abundance of sympathy and love for Scorpio that his stock would go up. And he’s my new leading man!’ I understand why Gloria knocked me off, but I would have loved to have gone on with it because I feel it could have been developed into a fascinating character.”

Photo: JPI

Sid and Marty Kroft also took to Twitter and expressed: “Margaret Hamilton (Wizard of Oz) once told us that Billie Hayes was “one of the best witches ever” We couldn’t agree more. Rest in Peace dear friend.”

Billie’s career spanned decades including Broadway, television, motion pictures and voice-over work. In addition, she founded the Los Angeles-based animal rescue nonprofit organization Pet Hope, a cause she had championed since adopting a puppy abandoned in the basement of Broadway’s St. James Theatre during the run of Lil’ Abner in which she was featured in the role of Mammy Yokum.

Share your remembrances of Billie Hayes and your condolences for her family and loved ones via the comment section below.

Breaking News

John Reilly ‘General Hospital’ Tribute Episode Set to Air May 21st

April 26, 2021

Details have emerged on the upcoming John Reilly tribute episode of General Hospital. The popular star passed away back on January 21st and the ABC daytime drama series had promised they would deliver a special show dedicated to the man who played Sean Donely starting back in 1984.

According to Deadline look for GH enduring stars: Genie Francis, Kristina Wagner, Finola Hughes, Jon Lindstom and John J. York to all appear in the special episode, along with Reilly’s real-life daughter, Caitlin Reilly, which had been previously announced.

The story will involve the mourning of WSB agent Sean Donely, which will set Felicia Scorpio (Wagner), Malcolm “Mac” Scorpio (York), Anna Devane (Hughes), Laura Collins (Francis) and Kevin Collins (Lindstrom) into a mystery involving Sean’s daughter, Annie (Caitlin Reilly).

General Hospital EP Frank Valentini shared in a statement: “John Reilly was an incredible actor and a large part of the 58-plus-year legacy that is ‘GH’. This episode is meant to honor him and his contribution to the show’s rich history. With so many fan favorites returning, new and longtime viewers will enjoy it. We had a lot of fun filming and I am grateful that we were also able to include his daughter. Viewers will hopefully also enjoy one more surprise return – it is just too amazing to spoil.”

Mark your calendars for May 21st when the special episode is set to air.

So, looking forward to seeing the John Reilly tribute episode, and who do you think will be the big ‘surprise’ noted by Frank Valentini? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.