MANHASSET, NY (WCBS 880) – As part of a three-way kidney exchange at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, former Mr. Universe Steve Michalik got a new chance at living.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs In Manhasset
Steve Michalik as Mr. Universe 1975 (credit: Mike Xirinachs / WCBS 880)
Now, he knows he received his life-saving organ from Katrina Petway of Baldwin.
There was some good-natured gratitude at their first meeting.
“[I’ve got these] up emotions and these down emotions. I’ve been crying and I’ve been laughing. I’ve been yelling and… I’m wondering, ‘Now I know. I got a female kidney!’ of course!” he Michalik.
“It’s pretty cool. I had no idea,” said Petway.
“That makes you part Mr. Universe,” Michalik said.
All the donors and recipients met for the first time on Wednesday.
The former Mr. Universe added, “thanks for my new lease on life.”
