Snowplow drivers clear way for liver transplant

Tools

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Apr 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM EST

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM EST

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming man got through this weekend's blizzard to keep his appointment for a liver transplant at a Colorado hospital thanks to a personal escort from snowplow drivers with the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Chuck Forbes, 59, of Meeteetse got the call on Saturday from the University of Colorado Hospital to come in for transplant surgery.

"He's been on the list for a year and he's had some kind of liver disease for 30 years," said his wife, Ruth Forbes. "We got a surprise call totally out of the blue at 7:30 on Saturday morning."

On their way south, the couple encountered a road-closed barrier at Wheatland during the blizzard that slammed southeastern Wyoming on Saturday afternoon. They called 911.

"The operator said, 'The road is closed, we've been forecasting this storm all week,'" Ruth Forbes said. "Then she said, 'Hang on, I'll get a patrolman to come talk to you.'"

Trooper Chuck Bloom arrived, talked to the couple and then returned to his patrol car.

"He came back to our car and said, 'If you wait right here, the area boss for WYDOT will be right here,'" Ruth Forbes said.

"In a matter of 10 minutes, we had a convoy of plow trucks," Ruth Forbes said.

The couple followed nearly on the bumper of a plow truck from Wheatland south to Chugwater in whiteout conditions. Other trucks joined in to plow a wider path.

In Cheyenne, one plow led them through the city. South of the city, an eighth snowplow driver got them to the state line.

They made it to the hospital at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Chuck Forbes underwent his liver transplant at 7 a.m. Sunday.

"He is having a heck of a time getting out of the anesthesia, but they say that's normal because of all of the meds he's on," Ruth said.

"But the transplant went wonderfully, and I hope those WYDOT guys know they performed a miracle," she said.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 39.8
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates