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Rival Fans Unite: A Life-Saving Transplant
7 May
Summary
- A Cubs fan received a life-saving kidney from a White Sox fan.
- The donor reached out after seeing a sign at a Cubs game.
- The pair reunited at Wrigley Field for a special first pitch.
Seven years ago, Bridgett Kolls, a young woman diagnosed with lupus and Stage 5 kidney disease, faced a daunting wait for a transplant. Her plea for a kidney at a Chicago Cubs game, displayed on a simple sign, caught the attention of Thomas Allesio, a dedicated White Sox fan.
Despite their team loyalties, Allesio reached out to the transplant team at Advocate Christ Medical Center. In June 2020, their lives were forever changed by a successful kidney transplant. This past Wednesday, Kolls, now a nursing assistant, celebrated her recovery by throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game.
The event at Wrigley Field also honored healthcare professionals. Kolls expressed gratitude not only to her donor but also to the countless medical staff involved in her care. Allesio acknowledged the broader team of doctors and nurses. Their bond, forged through an act of profound kindness, highlights a connection that supersedes even the fiercest sports rivalries.
