Long Island Father, Son Share A Business And Now A Kidney

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A kidney transplant is the latest joint venture of Michael and Jamie Mazzei,  the father and son who operate one of Long Island's premier beauty and style establishments, NuBest Salon and Spa in Manhasset.

Jamie Mazzei, 42, donated a kidney to Michael Mazzei, 71, in an operation Tuesday afternoon at North Shore University Hospital.

Tuesday evening, Richard Piana, a spokesman for the family, told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera in an email statement that the operation was a success.

"The kidney is up and running. Dad and son are doing great," Piana wrote.

The younger Mazzei, who is an only child and his father's business partner, said the family was in shock to learn three months ago that his father's kidneys were failing and that a transplant was urgently needed.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports: A Perfect Match

"At first we didn't know what to do,"  Jamie told Rivera.

He immediately got tested and was elated when he was told he could help save his father's life.

"I felt that being that I was such a close match, 5 out of 6, that this was such the right thing to do", the younger Mazzei said.

The father and son are well-known philanthropists and prominent businessmen in the community.

They have worked side by side at NuBest Salon and Spa for 22 years, pampering and primping scores of Long Islanders and famous celebrities, including hair and makeup creations for the recent Jonas Brothers wedding party.

Jamie Mazzei said while the two have always been extremely close, going through this life-saving procedure with his father has forged an even deeper bond.

"A part of me is with him now. We are true partners now, in every sense", he said. "Now we are connected by a kidney."

In a statement before the procedure, Michael said he was in good spirits.

"Although the notion of receiving kidney surgery may be daunting, I have always felt that a positive attitude is the best way to yield a positive outcome," he says.

He also thanked his son for his "remarkable courage, strength and willingness to make such an important sacrifice."

Would you donate a kidney to save your father's life? What about a stranger? Sound off in our comments section.