Retired Chicago firefighter undergoes successful kidney transplant after ABC7 viewer sees his story

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Last year, ABC7 introduced you to Patrick McDermott, a retired firefighter who was in desperate need of a kidney.

On Tuesday night, we are happy to report that he now has one. Patrick underwent kidney transplant surgery a few weeks ago, and he is doing well.

He is crediting his wife for encouraging him to put his story out there and ABC7 viewers for stepping up to help save his life.

"My faith is always with me," Patrick said. "I have to look to God every time I get up before I put my feet on the ground."

Overcome with gratitude and a new appreciation for life, Patrick has a new organ in his body. His kidney transplant surgery was a success.

I'm feeling better than I felt, and that's a blessing," Patrick said. "I feel like it's a second chance."

Last year, Patrick learned his kidneys were failing. None of his immediate relatives were a match.

"We panicked, because death was at the door, and we panicked. I was afraid. I was really afraid," Patrick said.

His wife, Carol McDermott, created a flyer on social media, seeking the public's help. That's when a friend suggested she contact ABC7.

"I talked with you, and you were willing to run the first story, and I said to myself, 'This is the beginning,'" Carol said.

The response from ABC7's viewers was astounding. Hundreds of people called in, wanting to donate their kidney. But it was a man in Arizona, who saw the story on social media, who ultimately helped saved the retired firefighter's life.

"He called her personally... and said, 'I saw your story, and I'm going to donate a kidney and put your husband on my list to get a kidney,'" Patrick said.

The man was an altruistic donor. That's a person who has already donated their kidney to a stranger. And because of that donation, he is allowed to identify a list of people to be prioritized for a living donor match.

Patrick was placed on his special list, and a match was found, but his journey to surgery was not easy.

"When I started the tests, I had blockage in two parts of my heart. I had to have two stents put in. After that, I had a blood clot travel, and it gave me a stroke," Patrick said.

It was a test of his faith, but it was worth the wait.

Last month, he was cleared for surgery at the University of Chicago, performed by transplant surgeon Dr. Ashley Suah.

He recorded a video right before.

"I'm happy to be here, and glad I'm in good hands," Patrick said.

A few weeks post-surgery, Patrick is up walking feeling like a new man.

"I've always had risked my life, and I had to talk to God and recognized that I was worthy. Everybody's worthy," Patrick said.

Patrick wants his story to inspire others to become organ donors. He plans to do more work with Suah and UChicago Medicine in an effort to save more lives. For more information on becoming a donor, click here.