Son gives kidney to co-worker -- his dad
Jamie and Michael Mazzei, owners of nuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset, at North Shore University Hospital. (July 19, 2011) Credit: Handout
Michael and Jamie Mazzei have worked side by side for 22 years at their nuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset.
But the prestigious salon is without the father-son team that makes it click this week. They're recovering at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset where on Tuesday son gave father one of his kidneys.
"It was textbook," said Jamie's surgeon, Louis Kavoussi, chairman of urology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. "Jamie is a beautiful person for doing this for his dad," he said.
Michael's doctor, Ernesto Molmenti, North Shore's vice chairman of surgery and director of transplantation, said he is doing "outstandingly well. We're very happy with both of them."
The younger Mazzei, 42, said yesterday he was told his father's new kidney was functioning "at almost a normal level." After the surgeries, the two met briefly in the recovery room.
"As I was being wheeled out, they brought us together for a minute," Jamie said. "I was in pain and feeling sore and achy, but I reached out and touched his finger and told him that I loved him."
Mazzei, 71, learned he need a transplant about three months ago as a result of acute diabetes. In a statement before the surgery, Mazzei said he was grateful to his son "for his remarkable courage, strength and willingness to make such an important sacrifice."
The salon staff of about 125 learned several months ago that the operation was necessary and was shocked, said general manager Gloria Sombrotto, 53. "Even when Michael's not here he is larger than life, his presence is huge," she said. "We told them that the best thing they could do for Jamie and Michael is to carry on and do their best."
Jamie, the salon's creative director, said yesterday that he's feeling "better than I thought I was going to feel." He expects to be released from the hospital Thursday.
Sombrotto said the salon was full of emotion and joy at news of the successful surgery. But perhaps Violet Mazzei, Jamie's wife, captured the spirit best with this Facebook post: "The kidney is up and running!"
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
