Chicago police det. to get new kidney after COVID complications, IL State Compt. Susana Mendoza says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After six long years, former Chicago police sergeant Joaquin Mendoza is getting a new kidney. He is the brother of Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

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Compt. Mendoza shared the news on social media Monday.

"Tonight we got the call," she said.

Det. Mendoza was hospitalized for 72 days after being diagnosed with COVID. He lost both his kidneys and had five strokes, the comptroller said.

"His life has never been the same," she said.

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"While we are happy, and scared, and have a whole host of emotions running through us right now, the most important one is gratitude for the kindness of a stranger who exited this world, but not without first donating his organs so that someone else could get a chance at a better life," Compt. Mendoza said.

At last check, Detective Mendoza was set to get the transplant on Tuesday morning.

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