Local television news still has the power to change and save lives, even for those holding the microphone.
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Amy McGorry, a former television reporter for News 12 Long Island, was in dire need of a liver transplant. Her story reached a loyal viewer, who offered to help and became her match.
Why Did This Anchor Need a Liver Transplant?
As reported by the New York Post, things were getting desperate for the 56-year-old McGorry. Six months ago, she passed out and was hospitalized.
The former news anchor has been suffering from two rare diseases: autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
According to Mayo Clinic, PBC occurs when the body's immune system attacks bile ducts in the liver, gradually reducing bile flow from the liver to the small intestine. The buildup of bile then begins to damage and destroy liver tissues.
Autoimmune hepatitis is also rare. It occurs when the immune system attacks the liver, leading to scarring and, eventually, liver failure if not treated.
As her liver became more damaged, McGorry suffered internal bleeding and urgently needed a donor with O-positive blood.
Who Is Donating the Liver?
The donor had seen a News 12 segment about McGorry's health crisis. They then underwent a series of tests to determine whether they were eligible to donate.
The donor wishes to remain anonymous until the procedure is completed in June.
McGorry learned about the match yesterday, May 4, while teaching her health science class at Long Island University. It was a moment that made her and her students cry.
"Last day of class and told kids who have been through this with me, and they all clapped," she said. "It was so cute."
Looking forward to her transplant and returning to normal life, McGorry has also worked to help others in similar situations. Last month, she went to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Living Donor Protection Act, which would protect organ donors who don't have job-protected leave during recovery.
