Restaurant Patron Donates Kidney To Dialysis Patient In Long Island

Glen Cove Manager Receives Life-Saving kidney transplant From Restaurant Patron

USA: In Glen Cove, Long Island, a routine conversation at a neighborhood restaurant turned into a lifesaving act when longtime manager David Galagei learned a regular patron would become his kidney donor. The patron, Suzanne Degan, volunteered to be tested after Galagei revealed he needed a kidney transplant; she was a match and donated a kidney six weeks ago.

The transplant operation was performed by surgeons with Northwell Health. Degan, now recovering, says she feels well and is grateful for the outcome. Galagei, who had been on dialysis for 14 months before the surgery, expressed profound appreciation for the donor’s decision and for the team that managed the complex living-donor transplantation.

Northwell Health physicians involved in the case emphasized that living-donor kidney transplants generally lead to longer patient survival compared with organs from deceased donors. Clinicians also noted that while living donors offer the best outcomes, locating willing and compatible donors remains extremely difficult for many patients.

The case underlines the human networks that can bridge the gap between organ shortage and transplantation success: a small community, a candid conversation, and a living donor willing to undergo surgery to restore another person’s health. The hospital team continues routine follow-up for both donor and recipient as they recover and rebuild daily life.

Video originally published on 2026-04-21 14:51:24