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

Now an active and healthy woman, last year Joanne wasn’t sure if she was going to survive. After years of suffering with Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion she had in the 1970s, Joanne was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013. She knew that Hepatitis C affected her liver, but never imagined it would threaten her life. She was shocked when her doctor told her that not only did she have liver cancer, but that she would need a liver transplant to survive.

She underwent a treatment to “freeze” and isolate the tumor that was growing on her liver, in an effort to prevent the cancer from spreading. She was immediately added to the organ transplant waitlist, and knew that she may have a very frightening few months or even years of waiting ahead of her. “While I was on the waitlist, I was really sick. I was weak, felt terrible all of the time and lost tons of weight. It was a really trying time for me and my family.” Joanne said.

After commuting for months from Delaware to Philadelphia for appointments and treatments, Joanne knew that something had to change, and she reached out to Gift of Life’s Howie’s House to learn more about this “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families, and to volunteer. Originally from Audubon, PA, Joanne moved to DE after her husband was offered another job. After 13 months of waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, she received the call that she had been desperately waiting for – telling her that a liver was available.

“When I was so sick and waiting Howie’s House gave me a lot of hope and it felt very safe.” — Joanne

“I didn’t really know anything about transplantation and all of the people who are waiting before it happened to me.” she said. “After a year of driving back and forth from DE, I was so relieved to find out about the Howie’s House. I stayed there with my husband and parents for nearly two months after I received my transplant. When I learned that I had liver cancer and would need a transplant, my husband and I stayed the night at a hotel in Philadelphia. We were both so scared and felt really alone that night. The Howie’s House wasn’t just a place for us to stay – it was a place where I was able to meet other people who were going through the same thing that I was. Just to see people who were recovering and doing well after their transplants – when I was so sick and waiting – it gave me a lot of hope and it felt very safe.”

Joanne has tremendous gratitude for her donor, her family and for the support of the Howie’s House. This Thanksgiving, she and 20 of her family members made the decision that they would put their grateful spirit into action – and cook and serve a Thanksgiving feast to transplant patients and their families who are staying at the Howie’s House. “We will make two turkeys and two hams, and all the sides – stuffing, mashed potatoes and vegetables. We tried to plan a diverse menu so there would be a dish that each person could enjoy.” she said.

“I’ve been feeling so good since my transplant – I just think this is a perfect way for me to give back. This is my first Thanksgiving since I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I want to honor my donor and their family. I know this is the first holiday that they will be facing without their loved one. I just feel blessed to be able to see another holiday, and I don’t want to waste it. I want to help others. Some mornings, I wake up and feel my side and am just in awe that a person – a family – who didn’t even know me could do this. It’s amazing.” Joanne said.

Gift of Life Donor Program has worked tirelessly for the past 41 years to coordinate donors’ generosity with those in need. Since 1974, Gift of Life – the organ procurement organization for eastern PA, southern NJ and DE – has helped save nearly 40,000 lives through organ donation, and enhanced over half a million lives through tissue donation. Currently, nearly 5,900 individuals in Gift of Life’s region – and over 122,000 nationally – are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. In the U.S., 22 people die each day while waiting. For more information or to register, visit donors1.org. It only takes 30 seconds to register and one organ and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of up to 50 people.

Gift of Life Howie’s House serves as a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families by providing lodging, meals and supportive services to those who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care. Since opening in July 2011, the Howie’s House has provided over 27,000 lodging nights of care. For more information about the Howie’s House visit www.GiftofLifeFamilyHouse.org

Watch a clip from PHL 17 Action News or listen to the KYW interview here!

By Talia Giordano, MSW, LSW

Finding Support Networks

Becoming a transplant patient or transplant caregiver can be difficult physically and emotionally. It is common to fear the unknown and become anxious about the “wait list” because it is a completely new journey. Often support from others who are also going through the transplant journey or have gone through it in the past, can be exactly the type of support a patient or caregiver may need. However, finding that kind of support can prove challenging if you live in a small town or are far from your transplant hospital. Below are some ways to find the peer-to-peer support that’s right for you.

The Transplant Hospital

Many transplant hospitals have support groups for patients and their loved ones. The groups are typically held monthly and sometimes even scheduled around clinic times, in order to make them more convenient for patients. Please talk with your transplant social worker to find out if your hospital holds a transplant support group.

Coalition Groups

Coalition groups are people who have joined together for a common purpose, such as organ donation and transplantation. In Gift of Life Donor Program’s service area, numerous coalition groups meet monthly to discuss ways to educate and inform individuals in the area about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Many of the attendees are transplant candidates or recipients as well as organ and tissue donor family members. While these groups are not necessarily support groups, they do allow transplant patients to meet families like them in their area, which is a great way to develop new support systems. To find a coalition group in your area please visit our Caregiver Lifeline webpage here.

Peer Mentor Programs

In a peer mentor program, you are paired with another patient or caregiver who has already been through what you are going through. Typically, you would be paired with someone who is around your age, who has successfully been through the same type of transplant and is doing well, both emotionally and physically. Please speak with your transplant social worker to see if your hospital has a peer mentor program. Please note, this type of support may be more difficult to come by, since not all transplant hospitals offer peer mentor groups.

The Internet

The internet offers a surprising amount of support resources for transplant patients! There are hundreds of websites available for transplant patients, which can be wonderful on one hand, but also overwhelming for the typical user. A good place to start for someone who is less internet-savvy is the UNOS-run, patient-friendly site called Transplant Living. It has a community section with stories from other recipients and a way to find support groups in your area.

Another great way to find support groups is through Facebook. If you already have a Facebook account, simply go to the main page and search the type of group you are looking for. For instance, a heart transplant patient might search “heart transplant support group.” You can then reach out to the group leader to learn who is a part of the group, what is discussed, if it is a private group, and how to get involved in order to get the most benefits. A great feature of Facebook support groups is they can be accessed from anywhere in the world. In addition, if you are unsure about joining a support group, Facebook is a great way to test the waters in a less intimidating setting while maintaining some anonymity.

If you would like more help locating a group in your area please feel free to email us at CaregiverLifeline@GiftofLifeFamilyHouse.org. Also if you are a transplant caregiver please consider joining out Transplant Caregiver Support Group

To honor Veterans today, we want to share Vernie’s story, a Veteran from the US Army who is a guest here at the Gift of Life Howie’s House!

“We miss serving in the military because it was really special to be able to help people.” – Vernie and Vernon

Now the Gift of Life Howie’s House’s turn to help, they have made this veteran’s transplant journey easier! Vernie Flores (left) and his family is originally from the Philippines and currently works as a civilian in the United States Army. He and his wife, Carla, traveled to Philadelphia from their home in Central NJ in the hopes of receiving a liver transplant. The Gift of Life Howie’s House is their “home away from home” while he is undergoing a liver transplant evaluation.

Vernie’s brother, Vernon (right), flew in from the Philippines where he now resides to be a support and caregiver for his brother during the week of transplant evaluation.

Both Vernie and Vernon are retired from the US Armed Forces. Vernie spent eight years with the army, four of which he spent stationed in Korea. In fact, he just returned to the US from his service in Korea just two years ago. Vernon is retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service. He served three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. Both brothers miss serving in the military because it was really special for them to be able to help people.

Vernie hopes that after he receives a life-saving transplant he will be able to continue working with the Army.

Between the entire family they have more than 75 years in the US Armed Forces. Their grandfather served in WWII and their father served in the Vietnam War. Their sister and uncle were also in the Armed Forces and Vernie’s son just joined the US Marines in June of 2015.

Veterans Day is a national public holiday that is always celebrated on November 11^th. Declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, the holiday celebrates all members of the US Armed Services. Many Americans celebrate today by attending ceremonies or celebrations that honor their troops. In fact, the city of Philadelphia just hosted its first official Veterans Day Parade this year. Check out the video here!

Home Cook Heroes Program

The Home Cook Heroes program at Gift of Life Howie’s House is an essential means of healthy support for our guests, providing them with a home-cooked meal every evening, along with brunch on the weekends.

The program also allows for community volunteer opportunities – engaging groups and organizations to donate food and time to prepare a nutritious and comforting meal. These meals afford our tired guests with the opportunity to decompress, share their experiences and find solace in a communal setting. Volunteers also see the impact of their efforts and also learn the importance of supporting organ donation in their own lives.

Meet Home Cook Heroes team, New Verizon Pioneers

From brunch to dinner, the New Verizon Pioneers have tackled it all. Ever since seeing a billboard for the Howie’s House and reaching out in November of 2014, the group has been coming in to cook and care for the families nearly every month.

“We really feel appreciated at the Howie’s House from the second we walk through the doors thanks to the staff and guest. Everyone is willing to help us and always greet us with a smile. Everything is clean and in working order. We love getting the thank you card after our visits.”

Formally known as Verizon Pioneers, the group is made up of employees, retirees and friends/family from Verizon Communications and their affiliates in the local community. Quite the amateur-chefs, the group enjoys making comfort foods and crowd-pleasers for our guests. They try and simulate family-dinner style meals, creating a cozy and welcoming environment for all the individuals here at the Howie’s House.

One of their favorite parts about volunteering at the Howie’s House is getting to know the guests, other volunteers and staff. “Our interactions with the guests are extremely touching and uplifting. Your staff helps keep the food warm and then puts away the leftovers for us. That is a huge help and we LOVE that! Everything we do is super appreciated.”

The New Verizon Pioneers have managed to grow close to many families staying at the Howie’s House and have made some great memories including outdoor barbecues and making s’mores with the guests.

The group encourages others to get involved with Home Cook Hero as well. It is as easy as “try[ing] out a new recipe from Pinterest each time you cook at the house.”

Many volunteers come for different reasons, whether it be their appreciation for connections formed over a home-cooked meal, a desire to give back or in memory of a loved one. As the New Verizon Pioneers say, “We all have been the patient and/or caregiver at one time or another. We totally understand how wonderful it is to have a meal cooked with love. We understand that mealtime is a good time to sit and talk with others going through the same experience. Our team gets more out of it because it allows us to work together with our friends and share our love of cooking with others who may not have time to prepare a meal.”

Want to try your hand in our kitchen? The New Verizon Pioneers say: “You don’t have to be a gourmet chef. Just find a few recipes you and your family like and make just make a bigger version of it.”

The Home Cook Heroes program offers a fun and creative way to volunteer in your community while engaging collaboratively and cooperatively with your family, friends, coworkers or classmates. Groups of up to 10 people can prepare meals (on or off-site) and serve them to our guests. All you need to bring is your group and the food, and we will provide everything else in our modern, fully-equipped kitchen. For more information about the Home Cook Heroes program or to sign up, please click here.

“It is an understatement when we say the Gift of Life Howie’s House is a life saver; a thank you will never express our gratitude.” – Felicia Padilla, recent House guest

Felicia and Jose Padilla are a young, active couple from Rockland County, New York who have been married for two years. Felicia says that, for as long as she’d known Jose, she had not known a life without dialysis. “When Jose and I first met, his kidney had just failed and he was back on dialysis. Even on our honeymoon, I spent hours apart from him as he had to go to dialysis treatments during our trip.”

As just a young child, Jose was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disease that resulted in full renal failure by the age of just 16. At that time, Jose was put on dialysis and officially listed for a transplant in New York. “Luckily, Jose was blessed with a transplant from his mother, Ines, who was a perfect match,” explains Felicia, “His first transplant lasted almost 11 years before it stopped functioning.” At the age of 27, when his kidney began to fail yet again, Jose and Felicia were once again back on the transplant journey. But without a family member to serve as a living donor, and because of Jose’s high percentage of antibodies, the wait time for a kidney in New York would have been approximately 8 to 11 years. At this point, Felicia and Jose began to explore other options.

“In order to give my husband a better chance at finding a match, we began the arduous testing process to be listed at transplant centers in other states,” describes Felicia, “After five calls for potential donors that did not work out, we received a sixth call for a kidney on the 28^th of June and rushed to Philadelphia in the middle of the night. Thankfully, Jose had finally found a match.”

A match was found, but Philadelphia was still three hours away, and the Padillas did not want to have to commute six hours back and forth to the hospital for his treatment and follow-up care. That’s when Jose’s transplant coordinator suggested they consider Gift of Life Howie’s House, where they stayed for four weeks over the summer while Jose recovered from his long-awaited and life-saving kidney transplant. “I cannot imagine what recovery would have been like without this safe haven,” says Felicia of the Gift of Life Howie’s House. “We could have never afforded a hotel each night. The House was an affordable place where we could comfortably stay and it was only about 20 minutes from Jose’s hospital, with free transportation provided through the Gift of Life Howie’s House shuttle service.”

The Padillas found comfort at the House and also greatly enjoyed the Home Cook Hero meals provided by volunteers each day. As Felicia states, these home-cooked meals were “always delicious and took away so much of the stress of recovery after being in the hospital all day.” Felicia and Jose also took full advantage of the free laundry services and gym available to them, allowing them to feel, in Felicia’s words, “right at home.” And of course, the comfort of connecting with other individuals on the transplant journey – offering advice and sharing experiences – helped them immensely.

“Another one of our favorite things about Gift of Life Howie’s House,” Felicia says, “were the events they planned for the families. There was a Sunday where any guest staying at the House could receive a free haircut from a volunteer stylist in the area, a night where we tie-dyed shirts, and even a carnival night. It was amazing to see all the wonderful things Gift of Life Howie’s House provides for their guests.”

Felicia sums up her experience saying, “Gift of Life Howie’s House was a beautiful and comfortable place to rest our head at night—it was beyond our expectations. It offered us peace of mind and a place where we could ‘take it easy’ and focus solely on recovery. We were able to forget about the other stresses of life and simply live in the moment. We felt extremely safe there.”

Felicia and Jose say they now look forward to their second chance at a “normal” life together: they love traveling as much as possible, being outdoors and active and spending time with their dog, Delia. Now, thanks to Jose’s transplant and successful recovery at the Gift of Life Howie’s House, this is all possible. As Felicia notes, “it is an understatement when we say the House is a life saver; a thank you will never express our gratitude.”

“Cooking for the Howie’s House has helped us heal and move forward after losing Gary. It feels good to give back and support where we can – even if it is only something as simple as preparing a home cooked meal for the residents.” – Trish Reichert, Donor Mom

My son Gary Reichert passed away suddenly on November 5, 2013 and by choosing to donate his organs, he gave the gift of life to four people and restored the sight of two more. We decided to start cooking at the Howie’s House in June of 2014 as a way to honor the lifesaving gift Gary gave to others and to help keep his memory alive. “G$” was Gary’s nickname. We chose to name our group Team G$ when we first formed our team for the Donor DASH in early 2014. We decided to continue using it when we come to cook at the Howie’s House.

Team G$ has become a source of healing for all of us. Our group is made up of my son’s friends and family. His loving girlfriend Jennifer, sisters Shannon and Tiffany, cousins Sherry and Jessica, his great aunt and uncle Sara and Mercer, and Gary’s beloved niece Adriana all help make Team G$ a reality. And our team continues to grow—friends of friends and extended family members participate, some of them never having met Gary! The support and camaraderie of Team G$ and volunteering for the Howie’s House has become an outlet to help us all honor Gary’s memory and his gift to those he’s saved.

When we come to cook, we always try to do something different, something that hasn’t been made in a while for the house guests. We try to think out of the box. In the past, we have served mozzarella stuffed meatballs, homemade Salisbury steaks, root beer floats, homemade soups, tuna casserole, Sloppy Joes. We want to make something comforting and delicious that the house guest would make in their own home for dinner.

Cooking for the Howie’s House has helped us heal and move forward after losing Gary. It feels good to give back and support where we can – even if it is only something as simple as preparing a home cooked meal for the residents. We enjoy meeting and getting to know Howie’s House guests, staff and interns. We have a great time working together and preparing a meal for everyone to enjoy. Every moment inside the Howie’s House is memorable.

By Talia Giordano, MSW, LSW

During the warmer months, many caregivers may wonder “Will I get a vacation this year?” Coordinating vacations can be difficult, especially if you are a caregiver to a transplant patient. It is common for caregivers to have fears about taking a transplant patient on vacation far from their primary care doctor, transplant team and pharmacy. Caregivers may also feel guilt when taking a vacation without the patient. A vacation can be vital for many people because it allows for relaxation from a hectic schedule. It also can allow a caregiver to regroup and re-energize for whatever their tasks are when they return. Below are some tips that may be helpful when planning for time away.

Talk to the medical team and ask for resources – The medical team may have suggestions for prescriptions or other medical issues you may encounter while you and the patient are away. Your medical team may also be able to direct you to medical assistance in the area to where you will be traveling. Lastly, if you are traveling without the patient, it is important to inform the medical team that you will be away and that someone else will be assisting the patient during your absence.
Talk with friends, family and other support systems – Similar to talking with the patient’s medical team, it is important you let your support systems know of your plans so they can step in to assist as needed. Caregivers sometimes find it difficult to ask others for help, but your friends and family want to help, they just may not know how. Be specific with your requests – don’t just say “I could really use your help while I’m away.” Instead ask, “Would you be able to help me by taking [the transplant patient] to their doctor appointment at [this time].” Being specific about your needs will give you relief, knowing certain tasks are being handled, and it will help others to understand exactly how they can help.
Take time off even if you can’t take a vacation – Many caregivers feel that time off needs to be spent taking care of the patient and this is untrue. All caregivers must take time for themselves to relax. Even if you are unable to take a vacation you may be able to take a “staycation.” A “staycation” is when you take time off for yourself and stay local. During this time you can still do things you love and plan for local trips to museums, parks, or events in your area.
RELAX! – A vacation is a time for you to relax, re-energize and regroup. Use these tips to plan ahead so that during your time off you can focus on yourself. Enjoy the people, places and things you love and HAVE FUN!

For more information, email CaregiverLifeline@GiftofLifeFamilyHouse.org

Gift of Life Howie’s House is privileged and grateful to be selected as a 2015 Teva Community Partner in Pennsylvania.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is a global pharmaceutical company specializing in generic and specialty pharmaceuticals. Teva is committed to improving not only the healthcare of their consumers—approximately one out of every eight pharmaceutical prescriptions is filled with a Teva product—but to improving the health of the communities they serve. Through selected yearly community partnerships, Teva supports patient and caregiver focused organizations with a goal to improve overall healthcare around the globe.

The partnership opportunity was introduced by Teva Associate Manager and CSC Study Leader Charles “Chuck” Loshnowsky. Featured in the Howie’s House Spring 2015 Newsletter, Chuck and his wife Nicki have found that volunteering over the last ten years has helped them immensely on their journey towards healing after the loss of their son Collin in 2004. First volunteering with the Gift of Life Donor Program and more recently with the Howie’s House, the Loshnowskys choose to honor their son Collin with acts of compassion and generosity.

After being struck by a car, five-year-old Collin was taken from this world far too soon, but his incredible spirit is still felt as strongly as ever. Collin not only saved the lives of five people by donating his two kidneys, intestine, liver and heart, but his legacy, carried on through the kindness and selflessness of his family, has touched countless lives over the last decade. Collectively known as Team Captivated by Collin’s Smile, the Loshnowskys and friends have truly made an impact on the Gift of Life community. Regular Home Cook Hero and DASH participants, Team Captivated by Collin’s Smile has also hosted wish list drives and competed in the Transplant Games of America in memory of Collin.

This past November for Collin’s 10^th “Angel-versary”, Nicki Loshnowsky created a special Facebook campaign in remembrance of her young son. “10 Random Acts of Kindness for Collin Loshnowsky” came to Nicki on one particularly difficult evening, giving her something positive to focus on and look forward to, an idea she firmly believes Collin planted in her head as his way to give her hope. Team Captivated by Collin’s Smile participated in the Howie’s House’s Home Cook Heroes program ten times before the end of 2014 as their official ten acts, though their kindness far exceeds that every visit they make to the Howie’s House.

The Home Cook Heroes program provides delicious, fully prepared and nutritious meals for Howie’s House guests to enjoy after long days spent at the hospital, bringing a great deal of relief to the transplant families who often do not have the time, resources or energy to cook themselves.

As community partners, Teva Pharmaceuticals will not only support the Howie’s House through a financial contribution, but their employees will also be volunteering regularly on-site, all thanks to the Loshnowskys’ introduction. Different departments within Teva will visit the Howie’s House during the year.

In another act of true generosity, on the 21^st of May 2015, Gift of Life Howie’s House officially unveiled the vestibule, newly underwritten as a gift from Teva Pharmaceuticals in memory of Collin Loshnowsky. Serving as the main entrance to the Howie’s House, the vestibule will now welcome Howie’s House guests in the spirit of Collin, his infectious smile and his wonderful “belly laugh.”

Says Nicki, “[As a donor family] so much of our healing has been because of the positive effects we have witnessed first-hand through organ donation… as well as the many wonderful people we have met on this journey.”

Gift of Life Howie’s House is honored to be a part of the healing process for all of our families— transplant and donor—and are excited to welcome Teva Pharmaceuticals as a community partner. It is through community support and corporate sponsorship that Gift of Life Howie’s House is able to help brighten thousands of transplant patients and their families’ journey to wellness by providing a “home away from home” to all of our guests.

Mary McDonald of Nutrition 101 with Mary

To make the CHICKEN:

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon black pepper

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Place the chicken in a large zip loc bag and add the marinade from step one. Let sit at least an hour.
Heat a large frying pan for1-2 minutes on medium high. Add the chicken and cook each side approximately 7-8 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken breast).
Place cooked chicken on a plate.

To make the RICE:

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 cup of brown rice

8 cups of water

1 lime, juiced

2 Tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

Directions:

Place the water in a sauce pot and heat until boiling.
Add the rice and cook for 30 minutes.
Drain the rice and rinse with water.
Place the rice back into the warm pot and cover. Let sit for an additional 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with lime juice.
Add cilantro to rice and mix. Place in a bowl.

To make the BEANS:

1 cup of pinto beans

2 Tablespoon of finely chopped onions

¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon of pepper

½ cup of water

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a frying pan and heat on medium high heat until the water boils.
Turn to medium low and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the water disappears and the beans are soft. Place in a bowl.

To make the GUACAMOLE:

2 avocados

1 lime juiced

¼ tsp salt

2 Tablespoons diced onion

½ tsp. minced garlic

3 Tablespoons diced cilantro

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt.
Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper.
Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Combine to make the FRESH AND TASTY BURRITO BOWL:

Add rice to a bowl.
Top with chopped chicken.
Add beans.
Top with Monterey jack cheese.
Add guacamole.
Finish the bowl with lettuce.
Enjoy!

Recipe by Mary McDonald of Nutrition101withMary.com, adapted from DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Sundance Vacations is happy to announce the launch of its new charity site Sundance Vacations Charities: sundancevacationscharities.org

Co-owners John and Tina Dowd are strong advocates for supporting those in need, especially when it comes to saving lives. The Gift of Life Howie’s House is one of the many organizations the Dowds believe deserves recognition. The Sundance Vacations Charities site features companies that both the Dowds and employees think are worthy causes for assistance.

The site brings all the charities Sundance Vacations donates to into one, central place where viewers have access to information about each charity’s individual location(s), news and information, as well as a direct link to their page to donate. It also features a different charity each month to help raise awareness of diverse causes.

The Dowds were recently named “Outstanding Philanthropists” by the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFB) in conjunction with National Philanthropy Day. For more information on this award, please see “Dowds Named Outstanding Philanthropists.”

Some local charities lack the exposure to branch out online for help and it is Sundance Vacation’s goal to shed some light on these organizations. Later down the road, the site hopes to handle donation requests and scholarship inquiries.

“We encourage not just the people around us, but everyone to get involved,” said Tina Dowd. “No matter what way you devote part of yourself to a charity, it will be sure to repay you ten-fold when you take a look back at your life.”