A cherished former television news anchor, facing serious liver health challenges, has made a heartfelt appeal for an organ donor.
Amy McGorry, who is 56, is reaching out to the public in hopes of finding a liver donor who could potentially save her life.
McGorry has been quietly enduring a tough battle against autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), two chronic liver diseases.
Viewers across Long Island, New York, will remember her as a familiar face from her days anchoring at News 12 and TV55.
Now, she finds herself in the spotlight for a different reason, as she urgently seeks assistance from her audience.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, McGorry implored, “Help me find a living liver donor who would be a match for me. You can help save my life,” she pleaded, her voice filled with emotion.
‘I can’t even believe I have to say those words but I need a liver transplant. You can’t wait.’
McGorrys said her condition has deteriorated rapidly in recent months, leaving her grappling with debilitating and potentially deadly symptoms such as fainting episodes, internal bleeding, and dangerously low hemoglobin levels.
Former TV anchor Amy McGorry revealed in a tearful video how she is seeking a living liver donor as she battles autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
McGorry previously worked as a health reporter for News 12 Long Island and TV55
Without a donor, her failing liver could begin shutting down other organs.
But since patients with PBC are often ranked lower than others on transplant lists, McGorry cannot rely on the traditional system to save her.
‘The problem with PBC, you’re the low man on the list when it comes to getting a transplant,’ she told the New York Post.
Her only viable option is to find a living donor would be someone willing to undergo major surgery to give a portion of their liver.
‘You have to find a living donor willing to do it – and that’s a big ask – to go “can I have a piece of their liver?”‘ she said.
In her emotional appeal, McGorry explained what that would mean.
‘The doctors explained that they’ll take a portion of the liver from this person and it would grow back in two to three months which is pretty cool,’ she said in an Instagram video. ‘The blood-type is O-Positive.’
Living liver donation is possible as the liver is one of the few organs capable of regenerating, typically within eight to twelve weeks.
McGorry has experienced fainting episodes and dangerously low hemoglobin levels as her health has worsened
The process requires a healthy donor, a rigorous evaluation, and a willingness to take on significant risk.
McGorry is searching for someone between the ages of 20 and 60, in good health, and with O-positive blood, a narrow and urgent window that makes her plea all the more desperate.
‘If you’re not a donor, if you can please share the link get the message out there,’ she said in her video. ‘I really need your help, I appreciate it, thank you.’
In a message shared through her GoFundMe page, loved ones painted her as a woman who has spent her life lifting others up.
‘Amy has always been a source of strength and joy for our family and everyone who knows her,’ they wrote.
‘Now, her liver has given all it can, and she is in urgent need of a transplant. Every day matters.’
They described her as a journalist, a sister, aunt, teacher, athlete, and performer who brought energy and humor into every room, from improv stages to classrooms.
Doctors have told McGorry she needs a liver transplant as her condition has led to liver failure and internal bleeding
But even as her condition worsens, McGorry has refused to step back from helping others.
Next month, she is expected to travel to Washington, DC, to advocate for the Living Donor Protection Act, legislation aimed at expanding protections for organ donors – including job security during recovery.
‘Some people may want to donate, and their jobs won’t let them,’ she said.
‘For me, it’s not just about me, I have been trying to find a reason through all of this, the “why is this happening to me?” and maybe this is my way of helping everyone,’ McGorry explained.
‘This is bigger than me. It’s about hope, and maybe, just maybe, someone out there can be my miracle.’
