Gift of Life Howie's House, Author at Gift of Life Howie's House

“The Gift of Life Howie’s House provides a service that no one else can. It isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a family.” –Denise, liver transplant recipient and current House guest.

Denise Fegley, with her husband and caregiver Ken at her side, has spent more of the past year in the hospital rather than out. But when Denise got too sick for her local doctor’s care and was referred to a hospital in Philadelphia, the couple of 31 years thought they had hit a wall. Their new team of doctors was over two and a half hours away from home and they did not know anyone in Philadelphia. Then they heard about Gift of Life Howie’s House.

“It’s weird how things fell into place” Denise recalls. It was twice that Denise received the call of a possible liver, and both times just as she was about to leave her local hospital for the day. The second call came on New Year’s Eve. Ken had been playing a show with his band Double Talk when his daughter burst in mid-set with the announcement. Ken sat his guitar down and left with a standing ovation to make his way to Philadelphia. It was not only a new year, but a new chance at life.

For Ken, the Gift of Life Howie’s House shows just how large the transplant community is, and how difficult the transplant journey can be. ‘”The average person does not understand just how deep the transplant journey is.” He continues, “They should come and listen to the stories here.” And Denise and Ken say they are happy that they found a place where they could go where everyone just gets it. “We’ve seen the good and the bad. Sat and chatted with people. Cried with people. Prayed with people.”

Denise and Ken feel that the House provides a service that no one else can—for the patient, the caregiver, and the whole family. The House gives them an opportunity to meet people in similar situations who understand them and what they were going through. The Caregiver Lifeline Program has been especially helpful for Ken, where he gets to participate in support groups led by Gift of Life Howie’s House’s licensed social worker. Ken finds these groups very comforting during the stressful transplant journey. Denise says she feels comfortable here too, “There’s always someone here, I never feel alone”. And when their son Ken Jr. came to visit over Thanksgiving break, Denise said it changed him forever. She said he was so impressed by the warmth and blown away by the support that he will never be able to forget his experience here.

The Fegleys have bright plans for their future together. They are looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to travel. The couple had originally planned to see the world after they both retired but when Denise got sick, they thought it would never be possible. But now, after receiving the gift of life, the two plan to travel and enjoy some stress-free time together. Their dream trip would be to go to the South Pacific! Denise and Ken also look forward to becoming grandparents. They want to give back to the Howie’s House in whatever way they can, but especially through the Home Cook Heroes program. “The one thing we can do is cook.”

Happy New Year, dear friends! As you think about New Year’s resolutions, and what 2015 might bring, we are thinking about our New Year’s milestone – 20,000 room nights!

Because of your generosity and commitment to supporting our “home away from home” over the past 3 ½ years, this January we have reached a new important milestone, providing 20,000 room nights to transplant patients and their families!

Since opening our doors in 2011, over 900 transplant families have stayed at the Howie’s House – some of whom had to travel thousands of miles, staying at the Howie’s House for months at a time, while their loved ones were hospitalized here in Philadelphia. Not only that, but your generosity and support has made it possible for us to serve these families more than 80,000 meals, so that they could always come ‘home’ after a long day in the hospital and sit down to a nice, hot meal. We are so grateful we can count on your support.

And our guests are grateful they can count on you too!

We’re not the only ones who want to extend our gratitude. Guests at the Howie’s House also want to share their message of thanks:

“The transplant process is a long process of testing, waiting, and lots of appointments. In our case home is just too far away to be feasible. We really appreciate that this “home away from home” exists. We really do appreciate all of your generosity! Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts!” – Steve & Tina

“After long trying days it’s a great comfort to come here and be welcomed by others and a staff of caring friendly people. Only through your support and continued support can all this be made possible day after day. Blessings to each of you. Jeanette, a guest in waiting for a gift of new life.”

“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your help. We came here after our precious baby received a heart transplant. We were tired, stressed, and out of money. Your blessings gave us the opportunity to stay at a wonderfully clean, hotel style house. Thank you for your wonderful gift.” -Guest of the Howie’s House

We extend our heartfelt wishes to you and yours for a New Year filled with peace, joy and good health.

Happy New Year!

Gift of Life Howie’s House serves as a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care. Amenities include a communal living room, kitchen and dining room, on-site parking, laundry facilities, and transportation to and from local hospitals. Guests are asked to pay a greatly reduced rate per night to stay at the Howie’s House, and no family is ever turned away due to their inability to pay.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins

yield: 12 MUFFINS

1cup all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 cup + 3 tablespoons rolled oats (reserve the 3 tablespoons for the tops)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 cups leftover cranberry sauce

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a 12-cup standard-size muffin tin (or add liners).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, milk, vegetable oil and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.
Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups – about 3/4 to all the way full.
Sprinkle with the three tablespoons oats.
Bake for 20 minutes or until tops spring back when you touch them and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out dry.
Let cool for about five minutes. Serve.

Adapted from Serious Eats

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Yields: 6-8 servings

4 large sweet potatoes, baked , peeled and mashed

1 cup chopped onion

2-4 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root

Olive oil for sautéing

4 cups of vegetable stock

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons pepper

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup coconut milk (Trader Joe’s light coconut milk is very good)

Sautee onion and garlic in olive oil until tender (approx. 10 min.)
Add fresh ginger and saute 3 minutes longer.
Add mashed sweet potato, vegetable stock, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cumin.
Cook an additional 15 minutes.
Puree in batches in a blender careful to securely hold towel over lid (hot liquids tend to blow the top off a blender).
Alternately, puree using an immersion blender, if available.
If you like a smoother soup, pass the soup through a mesh sieve to separate out any remaining solids.
Place all soup back in pot and slowly stir in coconut milk. Heat through and serve.

For more information, please visit

www.morethymeforyou.com

It can take just one person to inspire meaningful change, and at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, for many students that one person is Arthur Thomas. Arthur is a heart transplant recipient who shared his transplant story with the student body six years ago. Moved by his life-saving experience, students Taylor Bloom and Mary Hopkins heard it as a call to action to raise awareness about organ donation, and from there, the Lives Saving Lives Club was created. With Arthur as its faculty adviser, the club has blossomed into a successful, student-run initiative to raise awareness and funds for organ donation.

Now, with nearly 30 active members, the Lives Saving Lives Club holds a number of fundraisers, including a raffle giveaway and the Annual Organ Donor Awareness Benefit Dinner. Much like the club itself, this benefit dinner is completely student-operated. From the string quartet performance to the four-course meal, these young leaders work tirelessly to make this a memorable evening – and what a success! This past year, the dinner raised $5,000 for the transplant patients and families of Gift of Life Howie’s House, proving their hard work has truly paid off.

Since 2009, these motivated students have raised an incredible $27,400 for the Howie’s House! Their outstanding support and dedication to our mission helps provide our guests with comfortable lodging, hot meals, a fully stocked pantry, a free shuttle service and so much more. Such support helps alleviate stress our patients and families face day-to-day – mentally, physically and emotionally. To further support the Howie’s House, the Lives Saving Lives Club has also served as wonderful Home Cook Heroes, cooking a delicious meal for our guests.

This past month, the Howie’s House was happy to receive a visit from Arthur and four other Lives Saving Lives Club members. Arthur was proud to
show these dedicated students how their fundraising efforts directly impact the Howie’s House. It all came full circle for these students when they saw their permanent paver located in our Legacy Garden that states, “The Lawrenceville School Proudly Supports Gift of Life Howie’s House.”

While Arthur did not stay at the Howie’s House himself, he emphasizes the importance of providing support to transplant patients and their families, as he has a firsthand understanding of the difficulties they may be experiencing. “Anything we can do to make their lives easier is worth it,” says Arthur. These students demonstrate that age is only a number when it comes to effectively creating change in the lives of our guests. Thank you to Arthur and all of the students of the Lawrenceville School for bringing the Lives Saving Lives Club to fruition and supporting our mission!

Nicki Loshnowsky never anticipated having to designate her five-year-old son, Collin, as an organ donor. And yet, in November 2004, the Loshnowsky family faced a heart-wrenching decision after Collin was struck by a car and suffered severe head trauma. With their world flipped upside down, the Loshnowsky’s found some light in a tragic situation by choosing donation, and subsequently saving five different lives by donating Collin’s intestine, two kidneys, liver and heart – true gifts of life. Through the Loshnowsky’s active involvement with Gift of Life Donor Program and Gift of Life Howie’s House, they have found means to heal, as well as to celebrate Collin’s wonderful life, all the while promoting the incredible impacts of organ donation.

Over the last 10 years, the Loshnowsky family has been involved in a number of Gift of Life initiatives in Collin’s memory. At the Transplant Games of America, an Olympic-style athletic competition for transplant recipients, organ donors and donor families, the Loshnowsky family has been an integral member of Team Philadelphia as honoring their son and connecting with other families who have found themselves on the same side of transplantation. At the Dash for Organ and Tissue Donation, the family bans together as team “Captivated by Collin’s Smile” to demonstrate, through strength in numbers, how organ donation saves lives. The Loshnowsky family will always remember Collin’s infectious smile and his wonderful “belly laugh.”

This past November was Collin’s 10^th “Angelversary”, and the Loshnowsky family chose to honor his life by inspiring individuals to perform ten random acts of kindness. Doing their own part, the Loshnowsky family has made it their fervent goal to participate in the Howie’s House Home Cook Heroes program 10 times by the end of 2014, preparing meals for the Howie’s House transplant patients and their families. It is through this program that they are able to share experiences and stories with the guests – what Nicki always looks forward to most. The Loshnowsky’s Home Cook Hero meal on December 2^nd will be an extra special dinner in honor of Collin’s 16^th birthday.

The support provided by the Loshnowsky family never ceases to amaze us, as they have also hosted successful Wish List Drives in memory of Collin to further support the Howie’s House mission. While Collin cannot be here today, his name and memory will forever be honored through the family’s dedication to Gift of Life.

To learn more about how you can participate in Collin’s 10^th “Angelversary”, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/529946973806475/. And don’t forget to share Collin’s story this holiday season as you partake in your own random acts of kindness – just use the hashtag “#cjl10years” when posting on your social media pages.

Here at Gift of Life Howie’s House, we are incredibly grateful for your support, both in this time of Thanksgiving and all year round, and in the spirit of the holidays, we would like to recognize how your generosity truly makes a difference.

THANKS TO YOU, our guests have a warm and caring home away from home where they have comfortable and safe rooms to sleep in and also home-cooked meals, transportation, and supportive services. Our Home Cook Heroes program has served more than 76,000 meals to date for our transplant patients and families. This program allows our guests to relax and not have to worry about having to prepare a hot meal after a strenuous day at the hospital. Additionally, the Caregiver Lifeline program ensures each guest feels supported emotionally and mentally while navigating through the transplant process.

THANKS TO YOU, our guests gain hope and strength by sharing their experiences with others who have walked in their shoes. Because we care for transplant patients and transplant caregivers specifically, Howie’s House guests are able to connect with others going through similar experiences and, as a result, gain a deeper understanding of their own transplant journey. The compassionate environment of the Howie’s House provides a network of support to each and every person who stays here.

THANKS TO YOU, we have never turned away a guest who could not afford our modest $40 nightly fee. Your support of our Adopt-A-Family Program makes this possible. Each $40 donation provides a one night stay for a transplant family, ensuring they are able to rest comfortably in a bed, rather than staying at a costly hotel, or worse, falling asleep in a hospital chair. The Adopt-A-Family Program also helps offset the difference between actually operating costs to house a family for one night ($160) and the $40 a night that families are asked to pay.

THANKS TO YOU, our guests who cannot go home for the holidays will not be alone this Thanksgiving.

As you gather with family and friends around the dinner table for a festive Thanksgiving meal, here at Gift of Life Howie’s House, transplant patients and families we will be doing the same – and giving thanks to you.

To make a tax-deductible year-end gift that will help us serve even more transplant families in their time of need, please click here.

It’s a weekday evening at the Howie’s House, and as dinner comes to an end, you may find guests gathering together for evening activities. This program, completely run by volunteers, provides a much needed time of relaxation and fun for those who may have had a long day (or days) at the hospital. This fall has been full of fun events, including still life drawing and painting, crocheting and knitting classes, and even a performance by a musician! Howie’s House guests enjoy the opportunity to socialize as well as to create or learn something new.

“The ability to express oneself and emotions that are felt, on paper, can be so healing and pleasing. The process is as important as the art produced. And anyone is capable of producing their own art.” -Arlene Bonnet, Howie’s House Activity Volunteer

Howie’s House activity volunteer Arlene says, “I happen to love the interactions I’ve had with the people I have met at the house. The individual stories that have been shared with me have really touched me and the connection I have felt in the process was very meaningful to me. And if even one participant in each art class can experience two hours of peace or enjoyment in the middle of their stressful week, it is so worth it to me to continue.”

The Howie’s House is always looking for creative minds to come up with new and entertaining after dinner activities. It could be an arts or craft project, music, cooking demonstration, or speaking on a topic, we’d love to hear your ideas!

If you’d like to join volunteers like Arlene in this unique volunteer experience please contact Kari Rowe, Volunteer Coordinator at krowe@donors1.org or call 215-557-8090.

“We fell in love with the Gift of Life Howie’s House early on,” says Jim Carns, lung transplant recipient. “As a patient, it helped me get a better understanding that I was not alone, that there are other people who are going through the same thing as I am.”

When Jim and Karen Carns first made the trip from their Harrisburg home to Philadelphia in preparation for the lung transplant Jim desperately needed, they had many worries on their mind. But there was one thing they did not have to worry about — where to stay. They arrived at Gift of Life Howie’s House to find a warm and welcoming “home away from home” where their every need was met. As Karen states, “From the time we first went there, we felt very welcomed by the staff. They knew it was stressful to us coming there, with what we were facing. And it was comforting for Jim to know that I was in a safe environment.”

The Carns were among the more than 450 families going through the organ transplant process who stayed with us last year. The number of families we serve continues to climb as more families are referred to us from transplant programs throughout Greater Philadelphia.

Jim describes the Gift of Life Howie’s House as a “God-send.” Jim and Karen now stay with us when they come to Philadelphia every few months for doctor visits. In gratitude for their experiences at the House, they have become members of our Family Circle with a generous contribution of their own in order to support our daily operations.

Jim and Karen, both retired, are now busy visiting with their four children and eight grandchildren across the country, and resuming their involvement in their church and local community. They recently enjoyed a cruise to Alaska that would not have been possible just a short time ago. Both are deeply committed to finding a cure for pulmonary fibrosis, the disease that led to Jim’s lung transplant, and to helping Gift of Life Howie’s House serve other transplant families in need. Explains Jim, “The House is a facility that we hope most people won’t need to seek out, but it’s important for people to know that it’s there if they need it.”

The transplant journey affects those of all ages, and for Tatiana and Steve Orellana, their daughter’s transplant journey began at birth. Leiya Orellana is a bright-eyed 26-month-year-old baby who was diagnosed with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP). On December 5, 2012, Leiya was listed for a double-lung transplant. For the Tatiana and Steve, finding a pediatric lung for Leiya was a great cause of concern and distress, as they were not finding similar stories to their daughter. Fortunately, Leiya received a double-lung transplant and was discharged from the hospital on September 4, 2013- finally home-bound from a place Leiya has known since birth.

Throughout Leiya’s journey, Tatiana and her husband resided at the Gift of Life Howie’s House. As New Jersey natives, the close proximity to the Children’s Hospital from the Gift of Life Howie’s House was one less burden for the family. The Orellanas were able to sleep comfortably at the House and wake up well-rested for their long day at the hospital. During their stay, Tatiana was especially grateful for the level of understanding each House guest shared, as each of them are navigating through the transplant process.

“You go there and everyone understands. It is very comforting” Tatiana explains.

Throughout this process, there were moments when the Orellanas felt lost and confused, however, with a courageous spirit and support from the House, they were able to persevere and see their wishes come true.

Tatiana and Steve are happy to report that Leiya is doing better than ever! She is no longer reliant on a ventilator, and will hopefully have her tracheostomy removed soon. While she has had a developmental delay, Leiya is thriving as she is cognitively “caught up.” Through her various physical therapy sessions, Leiya is learning to physically advance and will be walking in no time. For the Orellana family, things are looking up every day. “It feels good to be on the other side of the transplant journey” Tatiana expresses. While this process was a bumpy road for the Orellanas, Leiya’s journey has been a life-changing experience. “Our baby teaches us about life everyday” Tatiana says- and what a precious gift that is.

Moving forward, they are excited to provide a helping hand to the Gift of Life Howie’s House transplant patients and families, as they understand the degree of stress this journey can entail. Specifically, the Orellanas hope to be Home Cook Heroes, a program where volunteer groups cook meals for the House guests each night, as that was an invaluable asset for the Orellanas when they were guests themselves. As a “home away from home” for transplant patients and caregivers, the Gift of Life Howie’s House always strives to provide our families with optimal care and comfort. While this process can be filled with uncertainty, the Orellana family demonstrates that there is success through the transplantation process, and the Gift of Life Howie’s House will always be there to provide comfort and support.