The Chef, The Medic, The Legend: Help Ed O’Brien Get a New Liver

The Story

If you have worked in Emergency Medical Services in New York’s Capital Region at any point in the last four decades, the name Ed O’Brien likely brings a smile to your face. Currently serving as a Paramedic Supervisor at Clifton Park - Halfmoon EMS, Ed is 61 years young and a true icon in our field. He has dedicated his life to the service of others, working in EMS since his teenage years, answering thousands of calls, and mentoring countless providers along the way.

But to know Ed is to know that his uniform is only one part of his story. Ed is a man of immense creativity and intellect. He achieved legendary status in the EMS community as the co-author of the "Shuckman" comic series. Widely propagated and loved by first responders, the irreverent series captured the unique, often dark humor necessary to survive in this profession. Furthermore, Ed possesses a talent that few in our field can claim: he is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). His culinary skills far exceed the typical EMS agency or firehouse fare, rivaling the finest restaurants in Upstate New York.

The Medical Crisis

For years, while caring for patients and feeding friends, Ed was unknowingly fighting a silent battle within his own body. Roughly 15 years ago, he developed a blood clot in a major vein leading from his liver. This undetected issue set off a chain reaction of health complications, leading to years of severe GI illnesses and esophageal varices that required surgical banding.

The true cause was finally identified by specialists at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City five years ago. Although his medical team was able to buy him some time with treatments, Ed’s condition has progressively deteriorated. His liver function has declined to the point where treatments are no longer effective. A liver transplant is now his only option for survival.

The Financial Obstacle

This journey has been physically exhausting for Ed, but it is becoming financially devastating for his family. Ed and his devoted wife, Amanda, are currently staying in a hotel near Mt. Sinai, waiting for the call that a suitable donor has been found. Returning home puts them too far away from the hospital when that call comes.

The costs associated with this medical crisis are astronomical. The family has already borne the expense of years of travel to and from NYC for specialized care. Now, they are facing an indefinite hotel stay in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Furthermore, the transplant protocol is strict: following the surgery, Ed and Amanda are required to remain in NYC for at least one full month for daily follow-up appointments and monitoring at Mt. Sinai.

How You Can Help

These costs—indefinite lodging in Manhattan, food, travel, and medical co-pays—are simply not affordable on a paramedic’s salary. Ed has spent over 40 years answering the call when others were in trouble. Now, he is the one signaling for help.

We are launching this GoFundMe to ensure that financial stress does not impede Ed’s recovery. All funds raised will go directly to Ed and Amanda to cover their housing and living expenses in NYC during the pre-transplant wait and the critical post-transplant recovery period.

Please consider donating to help this EMS legend get back on his feet—and back in the kitchen.