Logo

‘Insider’s’ Cojocaru Will Undergo Kidney Transplant

Nov 22, 2004  •  Post A Comment

“The Insider” correspondent Steven Cojocaru will appear in an interview on Monday’s edition of sister program “Entertainment Tonight” to discuss a kidney transplant he must undergo to treat a previously undiagnosed kidney ailment.

Mr. Cojocaru has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, the most common genetic, life-threatening disease, which affects more than 600,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide. According to the PKD Foundation Web site, the disease causes cysts to grow on a person’s kidneys, ultimately shutting down the organ and causing renal failure. There is no cure, and only dialysis or transplantation for treatment.

John Nogawski, president of Paramount Domestic Television, said the studio expects Mr. Cojocaru will be able to host his new syndicated talk-show strip set for fall 2005, which is in the planning stages.

“The market right now is moving very slow as far as the daytime replacement market, and I think that works in our favor,” he said. “We have not really gone wide with the show yet. Our plan is to be behind him. We’re still committed to doing the talk show, and by NATPE we will know where he stands and we will be in the same place we would have been otherwise.”

Mr. Cojocaru was interviewed for Monday’s edition of “Entertainment Tonight” by host Mary Hart and appeared alongside his physician, Dr. Stanley Jordan of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Mr. Nogawski said Mr. Cojocaru is continuing to work while he awaits his transplant, which they anticipate will take place by early 2005. There is traditionally a four- to six-week recovery from kidney transplant surgery. In the meantime, Mr. Nogawski expects Mr. Cojocaru will keep up his current work schedule.

“This morning I ran into him in the parking lot,” he said. “He was running off to interview Jude Law.”

Mr. Nogawski said the top priority is Mr. Cojocaru’s well-being.

“We’re shocked, obviously,” Mr. Nogawski said. “Our number one thing we’re concerned about is his health. He’s part of this Paramount family, and we want nothing more than a quick recovery.”