CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It’s no secret that in Chicago, baseball fans take their loyalty to their team - either Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox - very seriously. But what about when it comes to matters of life and death? Are all cross-town rivalries are put aside?
Well for two Two Chicago baseball fans the answer is yes, and they have quite the story to tell after a unique organ donation.
Bridget Kolls, 23, was diagnosed with lupus and kidney failure three years ago. She knew she needed a new kidney, and after two years of being diagnosed, she knew she needs to expand her search for a donor. A sign at a Chicago Cubs game would change her life forever.
After receiving tickets to attend a Chicago Cubs game with her brother on May 7, 2019, Kolls knew this was her chance to share her story on a larger scale and brought a handmade sign to the game.
"On the sign it said, 'This lil’ Cubbie needs a kidney' but on the back it also had 'Got kidney?'" Kolls said.
"When I saw the post, I just kind of went for it," he said. "I always figured if you are able to help someone, you have an obligation to do so."
"No one has done anything this big for me, ever," she said.
But even though she now has a Sox fan's kidney, she said she still bleeds Cubbie blue.
"I am still just a diehard Cubs fan, but I respect all Chicago teams nonetheless," Kolls said.
The Chicago Cubs have invited both of them and their families to the Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Field in August 2021.
The White Sox fan is already talking trash...
"Are we going to get Thomas in Wrigley Field?" Kolls asked.
"I'll be fine going. I mean I'm going to be walking out with a 'W', but you know," Alessio said.