Seeking a Life-Changer: Kevin O'Grady

Seeking a Life-Changer: Family of Kevin O'Grady Continues Search for Liver Donor

A beloved community member, Jewish activist, champion for homeless youth, advocate for equality, and an amazing father, husband, and friend, Kevin O’Grady needs our help He has lived with liver disease for four years, and his transplant team at USC Medical Center recommends a living donor liver transplant as soon as possible. A donor would save his life.

How Can You Help?

We aren’t asking you to commit to being a donor, but simply hoping you’ll take the next step and have a phone conversation with the liver transplant team at Keck Medicine of USC. Even if you can’t be a donor, please help spread the word to people you know, including friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors.

What to Know

In Our Own Words

“Understanding Kevin’s need, I felt moved to register to start the donor process. I had a conversation with USC and then had my blood tested. The test determined that my blood type matched Kevin’s, so I went to USC for a day of testing and bloodwork to determine if I might be a donor candidate. The medical staff was kind, patient, and thorough, and explained that potential donors remain anonymous until after surgery, removing me from being pressured while retaining the ability to change my mind at any point. Ultimately, I did not end up being a medically acceptable candidate, but I hope that by sharing the story of the support I received, others will be inspired to submit themselves as potential donors ”

- Beth Sterling, Jewish Long Beach VP Children, Youth, Family; former AJCC employee, and decade-long AJCC community member

“Putting myself forward as a potential donor for Kevin was a no-brainer. I’m a mother of two, and I’d want to know that members of my community would step up for me and my family if something were to happen to one of us. I know that liver donation is a routine and safe procedure and that it was important to do this mitzvah for a family in need.”

- Melissa Newman, former AJCC board member and ECE Committee Chair

Beth, Melissa, and Kevin are all willing to answer questions about the process. We hope you’ll consider taking the first steps toward helping Kevin. Please visit or scan the QR code for more information