Wheel of Fortune appearance bittersweet for NJ man

BARNEGAT, N.J. (WPVI) -- Wheel watchers in Ocean County were cheering on one specific contestant Thursday night.

The family of Tom Fedorczyk gathered in Barnegat to watch his appearance on the "Wheel of Fortune".

The EMT from Somers Point won more than $45,000 in cash and prizes.

He says his appearance was a dream come true, but bittersweet.

"My grandmother and I used to watch it growing up. When I got older, I used to drive over to her house and watch it with her. She passed away last year, but I know she's watching," said Fedorczyk.

Tom's mother gave him a Wheel of Fortune watch Thursday night.

His grandmother had given it to her as a present years ago.

She says she now realizes she was just the keeper of the gift for this night.