Julian Benson got the "gift of life" six weeks ago after receiving a kidney transplant in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital.
The former Dancing with the Stars judge had been receiving dialysis treatment in St. Vincent's Hospital for a number of years before getting the life-changing surgery recently.
The talent agent and TV personality revealed in 2018 that he had been living with Cystic Fibrosis since the age of two.
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Julian said: "Just six weeks ago I got the gift of life and I have just had a kidney transplant."
Speaking at his annual Winter Wonderland ball, in aid of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, he said: "I wasn't sure I was going to be here, but I am, and I am so happy. It is a good news story. Some of you may have known that I have been on dialysis for the last couple of years."
Julian has been living with Cystic Fibrosis all of his life and began treatment with the team in St. Vincent's when he was 15.
Julian said: "I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two. I have lived my life with it.
"I have had a career and I am proud to stand here. I stand here proud at 53, still rocking.
"People with Cystic Fibrosis have to deal with a lot. They have kidney issues, renal issues and heart issue. But they are the strongest warriors in the world.
"They get on with it and they live their lives. Believe in hope and anything is possible."
Julian paid tribute to the medical teams across the two Dublin hospitals who looked after him so well.
He said: "There are very special people in the room tonight. To the Beaumont transplant team, it is as a result of their care that I am able to get through this and to be here.
"I feel like a new man."
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The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is dedicated to supporting people and their families living with Cystic Fibrosis. The ball is charity’s major fundraiser and also a celebration of all the hard work that has been done as they are now very close to their goal of opening Ireland’s first home away from home Tranquility House in just a few short weeks.
As people travel from all over Ireland for treatment in Dublin, Tranquility House will ensure families can be there to support their loved one when in hospital, at a time when it is most vital.
He said: "I am going to continue my mission and I am going to continue to thrive.
"I hope to be a shiny beacon for people and the Cystic Fibrosis community. Thank you for all of your support, it doesn't go unnoticed."
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