CHICAGO — A retired Chicago firefighter, recognized several times for his heroic service over a 30-year career, urgently needs a kidney.
Patrick McDermott dedicated three decades to the Chicago Fire Department, saving countless lives. In 2000, while off duty, he rescued three young girls from a burning building, WLS reported.
The former lieutenant, now battling stage 5 chronic kidney disease, is urgently seeking the public’s help in finding a donor. After being diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease in 2024, McDermott has been relying on his faith more than ever to navigate this difficult journey.
“To wait for somebody to help you when you’re used to being the person helping, it’s an odd position to be in,” McDermott said. “It’s almost like you’re begging for mercy.”
With the help of the University of Chicago, where McDermott is receiving treatment, Carol McDermott, his wife, created a flyer and shared it on social media and throughout her community, hoping to find someone who can help save his life.
McDermott has pledged that if he receives a donor, he will dedicate his life to advocating for others in need of transplants, focusing on raising awareness within the Black community.
If you’re interested in helping McDermott or becoming a kidney donor, contact UChicago Medicine at 773-702-0620 or visit their Living Donor Kidney Transplant website for more information.
