A Sox fan gave a Cubs fan a new kidney and the recipient threw out the first pitch at Thursday's Cubs game.
Thursday, May 7, 2026 11:52AMOn Healthcare Workers Appreciation at Wrigley Field Wednesday, the woman chosen to throw out the first pitch who is a healthcare worker had a tremendous amount of appreciation herself for the man who donated her kidney.
It was just a few years ago she was in the park hoping for a miracle. Posing in the stands with a sign saying "this lil cubbie needs a kidney.
" She was 23 years old and desperate for a matching donor kidney. The picture got a lot of play on social media. And it got the attention of Thomas Alessio, a White Sox fan from Joliet. Thomas Alessio had never met Kolls, but he was willing to help.
"I'm active healthy I get to move I'm not tired all the time it's a big difference," Kolls said. 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. 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.
Chicago White Sox Kidney Donation Crosstown Classic 2022 Bridgett Kolls Thomas Alessio Kidney Transplant Crosstown Classic Chicago Chicago Crosstown Classic Chicago Crosstown Series Crosstown Series Chicago Cubs Sox Game Chicago Cubs White Sox Game Cubs White Sox Game Cubs Sox Crosstown Classic 2022 Chicago Cubs White Sox 19056360
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