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Retired Chicago Firefighter Receives Successful Kidney Transplant After TV Plea
Patrick McDermott credits his wife and ABC7 viewers for helping save his life.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Retired Chicago Fire Department firefighter Patrick McDermott underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery after his wife's social media plea for a donor led to an altruistic donor in Arizona stepping forward to help. McDermott had been in desperate need of a kidney, and the outpouring of support from the community, including ABC7 viewers, ultimately led to the life-saving procedure.
Why it matters
This story highlights the power of community support and media coverage in helping individuals in urgent medical need find potential donors. It also underscores the importance of organ donation and the difference it can make in someone's life.
The details
After learning his kidneys were failing, McDermott and his wife Carol created a social media flyer seeking a donor. Carol then contacted ABC7, who ran the initial story about McDermott's situation. Hundreds of viewers responded, but it was an altruistic donor in Arizona who ultimately stepped forward and put McDermott on his personal donor list, leading to a successful match and transplant surgery at the University of Chicago. McDermott faced some health hurdles leading up to the surgery, including heart issues and a stroke, but was eventually cleared and underwent the transplant procedure performed by Dr. Ashley Suah.
- Last year, McDermott learned his kidneys were failing.
- In 2026, McDermott underwent the successful kidney transplant surgery a few weeks ago.
The players
Patrick McDermott
A retired Chicago Fire Department firefighter who was in desperate need of a kidney transplant.
Carol McDermott
Patrick's wife, who created a social media flyer seeking a donor and contacted ABC7 to share Patrick's story.
Dr. Ashley Suah
The transplant surgeon at the University of Chicago who performed the successful kidney transplant procedure on Patrick McDermott.
Altruistic Donor
An anonymous man in Arizona who saw Patrick's story on social media, contacted his wife, and offered to donate his kidney, putting Patrick on his personal donor list.
What they’re saying
“We panicked, because death was at the door, and we panicked. I was afraid. I was really afraid.”
— Patrick McDermott, Retired Firefighter (abc7chicago.com)
“I talked with you, and you were willing to run the first story, and I said to myself, 'This is the beginning.'”
— Carol McDermott, Patrick's Wife (abc7chicago.com)
“I'm happy to be here, and glad I'm in good hands.”
— Patrick McDermott (abc7chicago.com)
What’s next
Patrick McDermott plans to do more work with Dr. Suah and the University of Chicago Medicine to help raise awareness and save more lives through organ donation.
The takeaway
This story demonstrates the power of community support and media coverage in helping individuals in urgent medical need find potential donors, and underscores the life-changing impact that organ donation can have.
