Long Island man gets life-saving kidney transplant in time for holidays

MANHASSET (WABC) -- A man on Long Island is giving thanks this holiday season for a life-changing gift. He will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family for the first time in years after receiving a kidney transplant.

And sometimes, saying thank you just isn't enough, especially when someone saves your life.

"Thank you does not even cover," transplant recipient Christian Ohlsen said. "They have to invent a whole new word."

The 42-year-old Manhasset man desperately needed a new kidney, on dialysis three times a week a struggling through life. That's when Ohlsen's husband's uncle, Robert Joy, from Pennsylvania stepped in.

"My fiance Mary and I took a ride out here," he said. "Did the test and boom ,I wound up being a match."

A few weeks ago, the two, with operating rooms side by side at North Shore University Hospital, underwent the procedure.

"It was incredible to see this beautiful family all together being able to undergo such a difficult procedure that they did with so much love," Dr. Ernesto Molmenti said.

And the operation was a success.

"We both even said to each other the night before, we knew everything was going to be fine," Ohlsen said.

So for the first time in years, Ohlsen will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner without having to worry about dietary restrictions.

"That's my favorite out of Thanksgiving is dessert," he said.

And it was Uncle Rob who made it all possible.

"It's the way I've always been," Joy said. "I've always donated. I've always given a hand to people. This is a big hand, but I guess you could say I'm proud of myself for doing it."

And for that, everyone is thankful.