New York City, New York – Former New York City Council member Eric Ulrich says a deeply personal decision made during one of the most challenging periods of his life has come full circle in an unexpected way. While facing unresolved bribery charges, Ulrich quietly donated a majority of his liver to a former constituent — and in the process, doctors discovered and removed a potentially life-threatening condition.
Ulrich, who pleaded not guilty to bribery charges in 2023, described the past three years as a time when his life felt “put on pause.” The legal battle, he said, left him with more time than he ever anticipated. Rather than retreat, he used that time to explore becoming a living organ donor.
For eight months, Ulrich underwent extensive medical screening to determine whether he could donate part of his liver to 59-year-old Anthony Blandino of Ozone Park. Blandino, a longtime supporter of Ulrich’s political career, had been waiting for a transplant but was too low on the deceased donor list to receive one in time.
Doctors at the Northwell Transplant Institute ultimately approved Ulrich as a match. In a successful procedure, approximately 60 percent of Ulrich’s liver was transplanted to Blandino, significantly shortening what could have been a prolonged and uncertain wait.
Living liver donation is a complex and rigorous process. Potential donors must undergo physical exams, imaging tests, psychological evaluations, and multiple screenings to ensure they are healthy enough to give a portion of their organ. The liver’s unique ability to regenerate makes such donations possible.
It was during one of those required screenings — a colonoscopy — that doctors made a startling discovery. Although routine colon cancer screenings typically begin at age 45 for men, Ulrich, who is 40, underwent the procedure as part of the donor clearance process. During the exam, physicians found and removed a large precancerous polyp that was reportedly close to becoming cancerous.
Doctors later explained that without the transplant evaluation, the growth might not have been detected for several more years. The removal likely prevented the development of colon cancer, turning Ulrich’s decision to help someone else into an act that may have saved his own life as well.
Ulrich described the discovery as a defining moment. He said the unexpected diagnosis felt like a sign that confirmed he was making the right choice in moving forward with the donation. Shortly after, he proceeded with the transplant surgery.
Meanwhile, Ulrich’s legal case continues. In January, a judge dismissed the most significant bribery charge against him, citing issues related to withheld evidence presented to the grand jury. However, he still faces several additional charges alleging that he accepted gifts, including baseball tickets and artwork, in exchange for using his influence as a city official.
Despite the ongoing case, Ulrich insists that his motivation for sharing the story is simple. He hopes his experience will encourage others to consider registering as organ donors. With thousands of patients nationwide waiting for lifesaving transplants, living donors can dramatically reduce wait times and improve survival outcomes.
Ulrich said he believes good can emerge even from difficult circumstances. By choosing to act during a time of uncertainty, he not only gave someone else a second chance — but received one himself.
