Former TV Anchor Pleads for Life-Saving Liver Donor

Amy McGorry faces rare diseases that have severely damaged her organ and urgently needs a transplant.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Amy McGorry, a 56-year-old former news anchor on Long Island's News12, is searching for a living liver donor after two rare autoimmune diseases caused permanent damage to her organ. McGorry posted an emotional video on Instagram appealing for help, as her condition has deteriorated sharply in recent months with fainting spells and internal bleeding.

Why it matters

McGorry's case highlights the challenges faced by those with rare diseases in need of organ transplants, as her condition puts her at a disadvantage on the transplant list. Her story also underscores the importance of living donors, who can provide a portion of their liver that will regenerate, potentially saving McGorry's life.

The details

Doctors at Weill Cornell Medicine told McGorry in February that she urgently needed a liver transplant after her hemoglobin count fell to 7, about half the normal level. McGorry, who has O positive blood, said her rare diseases make it difficult for her to get a transplant, as 'the problem with PBC, you're the low man on the list when it comes to getting a transplant.' A living donor can provide a portion of their liver for transplant, and the organ will regenerate within 2-3 months.

  • On March 11, McGorry posted an emotional video to Instagram appealing for a living liver donor.
  • In February, doctors at Weill Cornell Medicine told McGorry she urgently needed a liver transplant after her hemoglobin count fell to 7.

The players

Amy McGorry

A 56-year-old former news anchor on Long Island's News12 who is searching for a living liver donor after two rare autoimmune diseases caused permanent damage to her organ.

Weill Cornell Medicine

The medical center that told McGorry in February she urgently needed a liver transplant.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm hoping you all can be by my side as I ask you to help me find a living liver donor that would be a match for me to help save my life. I need a liver transplant — I can't even believe I have to say those words — but if there's anybody out there, I need a living liver donor.”

— Amy McGorry, Former News Anchor (Instagram)

“The problem with PBC, you're the low man on the list when it comes to getting a transplant.”

— Amy McGorry, Former News Anchor (New York Post)

What’s next

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover McGorry's medical expenses and support the donor search, with a goal of raising $100,000.

The takeaway

McGorry's story highlights the critical need for living organ donors, especially for those with rare diseases that put them at a disadvantage on transplant waitlists. Her emotional plea underscores the life-or-death stakes she faces, and the power of community support to potentially save her life.