Former Long Island News Anchor Pleads for Life-Saving Liver Donor

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Former Long Island news anchor Amy McGorry, 56, is desperately seeking a life-saving liver donor as she battles autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, two rare liver diseases that have slowly destroyed her liver over the past two decades. Doctors have told McGorry, a beloved health reporter, that she needs to find a donor with O-positive blood type or she will die. McGorry is now pleading for a stranger to come forward and donate part of their liver to give her a 'new lease on life'.

Why it matters

McGorry's health crisis highlights the critical shortage of organ donors, especially for those with rare liver diseases like autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. As a local news anchor, McGorry's story has resonated with the community and raised awareness about the need for more living donors to step forward and save lives.

The details

McGorry's liver diseases came to a head about six months ago when she passed out and was rushed to the hospital. Her hemoglobin levels had dropped to a dangerously low count of 7, about half of normal. In February, doctors told McGorry she needed a liver transplant as her liver was failing and causing internal bleeding. However, because of how PBC patients are scored on transplant waiting lists, McGorry ranks lower than those with other liver diseases, meaning she can't afford to wait for a deceased donor. Her only option is to find a living donor, and quickly, before her failing liver causes other organs to shut down.

• About six months ago, McGorry passed out and was rushed to the hospital.
• In February 2026, McGorry found out she needed a liver transplant.

What they’re saying

What’s next

McGorry is heading to Washington D.C. next month to lobby for the Living Donor Protection Act, a bill that would strengthen protections and close gaps that leave organ donors without job-protected leave during recovery.