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CHICAGO (WLS) — During Healthcare Workers Appreciation Day at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, a special moment unfolded as a healthcare worker selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch shared her deep gratitude for the individual who donated a kidney to her.
Before the Cubs game, Bridgett Kolls took time to capture memorable moments on the field, posing with fellow nurses and supporters.
A few years prior, Kolls found herself at the same park, fervently hoping for a miracle. She held a sign in the stands that read, “This little cubbie needs a kidney,” expressing her urgent need for a donor.
At just 23, Kolls was in desperate search of a compatible kidney donor, and her situation gained significant traction on social media.
Her plea reached Thomas Alessio, a dedicated White Sox fan from Joliet. Despite never having met Kolls, Alessio was moved to step forward and offer his help.
“If you have the ability to help someone I feel like you have a duty to do so,” Alessio said.
“I’m active healthy I get to move I’m not tired all the time it’s a big difference,” Kolls said.
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Kolls has been living with the new kidney for the last six years. She’s healthy living a full life and working as a nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital while taking college classes. And she’s grateful.
“It’s crazy,” Kolls said. “I never expected to be here. Such a wonderful moment. Here with my donor. Never thought I’d be throwing out the first pitch. Happy to be alive.”
Many of Kolls fellow nurses were there to cheer her on and celebrate.
There were about 500 people nominated to throw out the first pitch, but Kolls was the easy choice.
Her pitch makes it to the plate. It may not be a strike. But just be being here Kolls has won the game.
“It’s full circle,” Kolls said. “I was here with the sign, asking for the kidney… and now I’m gonna be on the field today.”
Kolls is a lifelong Cubs fan. She’s never been to a Sox game before but she said that’s her goal for this season.
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