On the eve of Thanksgiving, the Neshaminy Ice Hockey community hosted its 7th Annual Gannon Cup in memory of Patrick Gannon and Phillip Oseredzuk.
This annual event honors two former ice hockey players who tragically passed away and went on to become organ donor heroes. This special fundraiser reached a new milestone, raising over $10,300 to support Gift of Life Howie’s House! This fundraiser continues to be a significant occasion within the Neshaminy ice hockey community, remembering Patrick and Phillip, and ensuring their legacy lives on for years to come.
With the funds raised, the event will once again sponsor a guest room at the House in memory of Patrick and Phillip. Thank you to this amazing community for its ongoing support of our mission.
From all of us at the House, THANK YOU!
Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our goal of $40,000 this Giving Tuesday by $24,000! With the support of our generous matching gift partner, that brings the total Giving Tuesday revenue to a record-breaking $104,000 raised for transplant patients and their families!
This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our community. Thank you to everyone who made a gift and hosted a fundraiser. Your contributions mean the world to the families who will stay with during the holidays, and throughout the year.
A special thank you to our matching gift partner, the Foxwynd Foundation, funded by their donor advised fund, for helping us double the impact for transplant families!
By Talia Giordano, LCSW
Family Services and Caregiver Lifeline Program Manager
After working with transplant caregivers and families for over 13 years, one theme continues to emerge: transplant caregivers consistently reveal feelings of guilt. Caregivers can often experience guilt from maintaining ones own physical and emotional health, communicating openly with loved ones, and allowing oneself to experience happiness and joy. Such feelings of guilt can weigh heavily, inhibit positive coping mechanisms, and strain relationships.
As one transplant caregiver explained, “I occasionally feel guilt or resentment, not against anyone in particular but against the circumstances. I mourn the loss of what we had planned for the rest of our lives together and the fact that it has been replaced by our new normal. Still, I am grateful that we have the time that we have been given.”
Another caregiver stated, “The pressures of being a caregiver are often overwhelming. Caring for a loved one brings me mental and physical stress and worry of losing them. I have constant thoughts whether I am doing the right things for them. This significantly impacts doing essential things for myself and brings on additional concerns that someday I too will be in the same situation as the person I care for.”
Another type of guilt transplant caregivers may experience is centered around feeling that they should have done things differently.
A third caregiver recalls, “I went through a night of guilt last night, feeling upset and questioning why I didn’t do more. I imagine that if I had made different choices at the beginning, the outcome might have been different.”
Feelings of guilt cannot simply be “turned off” when one is told, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Emotions such as guilt, sadness, or happiness can be supported and managed through positive coping tools. Instead of discouraging feelings of guilt in caregivers, these feelings should be normalized and validated, helping caregivers feel valued and maintain a sense of self-worth.
Self-care is imperative to managing stress and the burdens associated with caring for a loved one. Schedule self-care into your daily routine, like an appointment to help you feel more accountable. Self-care does not need to be an activity that lasts for hours; it could be a 15-minute walk outside, a 15-minute chair meditation, or a creative art or craft activity. Focus on activities that help you feel replenished – even if it is just for a few minutes.
Receiving support from others in similar situations can also be beneficial for caregivers. By participating in support groups with those who have similar experiences you can feel validated and appreciated for the feelings you are experiencing. You may also learn new tips and tools for navigating the caregiving and transplant process. The Caregiver Lifeline Program offers a virtual transplant caregiver support group twice a month that caregivers can join from anywhere in the world!
Finally, sometimes feelings of guilt, depression, and anxiety may be too overwhelming and cause a negative impact on daily functioning. If this is the case, speaking to a mental health professional is recommended. A mental health professional can work with transplant caregivers in developing and maintaining positive coping tools and long-term emotional wellness.
One transplant caregiver suggests, “…my advice to anyone in the process of receiving a donation [transplant] is make sure the patient and caregiver have counseling/psychiatric support before and after.”
To talk with a social worker about resources and support around caregiver guilt, emotional wellness, or support groups, please reach out to Talia Giordano, LCSW at caregiverlifeline@giftoflifefamilyhouse.org.
The Caregiver Lifeline Program is supported in part by TD Charitable Foundation. We are thankful for their partnership and generosity.
BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY
Sarita has lived with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a lung disease that limits airflow and causes breathing difficulties, for most of her life. Despite her diagnosis, she did not let it hold her back. From moving up the corporate ladder and starting her own business to traveling extensively with her husband, Mark, Sarita has led an exciting and active life.
For years she managed her disease and kept up with her treatments, allowing her to maintain her active lifestyle.
That all changed in January of 2024 when her breathing suddenly stopped. Sarita was rushed to the hospital and intubated for almost 24 hours. The crisis triggered a severe decline in her lung function, and her pulmonologist informed her she would need a lung transplant to survive.
Sarita was listed for a lung transplant 6 months later in Philadelphia. She and Mark stayed at Gift of Life Howie’s House during her evaluation and remained here while she waited for a transplant. After two months of waiting, Sarita received her life-saving new lung from an organ donor hero.
A PLACE TO CONNECT
Sarita and Mark travel often, with home bases in New York and South Carolina. Having never heard of a facility like the House, they were uncertain of what to expect. Sarita immediately felt she was in the right place when she arrived.
“The warmth, the welcome and the immediate feeling of family from the staff and guests was amazing and palpable,” Sarita recalls.
Both Sarita and Mark quickly formed relationships with other guests. They found the communal nature of the House to be one of the most uplifting parts of their journey.
“The social interactions and environment that allow you to connect with others who are going through a similar journey have been the best,” says Mark.
Knowing that Mark had a safe place to stay and connect with other families while she was in the hospital helped ease Sarita’s stress. The couple also appreciated the support from other guests, ranging from dinner invitations to offering an oxygen tank when needed. “The trust and generosity of people here is amazing,” Sarita says.
LOOKING AHEAD
Although Sarita faces a long recovery, she and Mark say that the community at the House has helped them immensely during their transplant journey. As a Jewish couple they have experienced multiple inspiring moments of sharing prayer and providing support with people of different faiths.
“It’s a common theme here to pray for, support, and listen to one another,” Sarita explains. Mark adds, “We all have the commonality that we are all here waiting for a miracle.”
Looking ahead, Sarita is excited for the holidays. After years of not being able to light actual candles due to safety concerns regarding her medical equipment, she eagerly anticipates lighting a Hanukkah menorah celebrating the festival of lights for the first time in a long time.
Sarita and Mark are also looking forward to spending more time with their 29-year-old daughter, Jodette, and getting back to traveling together. They express a deep gratitude to those who donate to the House for providing them support and comfort.
This year numerous families will stay at the House over the holidays, and we need your help to ensure they are provided with affordable lodging, meals and important services during the transplant journey.
Every gift regardless of its size will mean the world to these families. Knowing they have a community of support behind them will bring much-needed hope during their darkest times. Your gift today will help keep the fees low by bridging the gap between the modest nightly fee of $40 and the actual cost of providing services, which now exceeds $200.
For families like Sarita’s, the House is an essential part of their path back home. Help continue to support their journey and many others by making a gift today.
“Through the kindness and generosity of financial donors, a very magical place exists” – Sarita
If you can offer a special gift of $250 or more, you’ll also become a cherished member of the Family Circle.
Interested in supporting our Adopt-A-Family Program?
Anthony Rojas was born a healthy child in Long Island, New York. Around the age of 3 he unfortunately developed Bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung disease, after contracting two different viruses.
As his symptoms worsened he was transferred to a nursing facility in New York. His doctors suggested he see a pulmonologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and his family began traveling to Philadelphia for his primary care.
As his symptoms worsened he was transferred to a nursing facility in New York. His doctors suggested he see a pulmonologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and his family began traveling to Philadelphia for his primary care.
He was listed for a lung transplant at 4½ years old but was removed from the list after a year when his health stabilized. Despite this, he continued to get sick often and required constant hospital stays, once even traveling by helicopter to Philadelphia for emergency care.
“We basically lived in the hospitals,” his mom, Lucy, said.
Anthony remained at the nursing facility until he was 8 years old. In July of 2022 he was relisted for a transplant after his lung function declined. After two years of waiting, Anthony received his life-saving lung transplant in June of this year.
EASING THEIR STRESS
Anthony’s mom Lucy learned about Gift of Life Howie’s House when he was first listed for a lung transplant. When Lucy arrived, she was alone and unsure of what to expect.
“You walk in not knowing anyone or what to expect. On top of that you’re thinking about the transplant, recovery and appointments…
… but as soon as you arrive, everyone greets you, welcomes you and makes you feel comfortable,” Lucy explains.
Before discovering the House, the family would leave New York early in the morning to make Anthony’s appointments in Philadelphia and drive back the same day. If Anthony had to stay overnight, they would need to find a hotel, which would add to their emotional and financial stress.
Because of the House, Lucy and her family had an affordable, comfortable place to call home surrounded by people who understood their journey. “It was a huge relief… seeing others with a common problem and who have been through something similar makes you feel safer and more protected,” Lucy says.
A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE
After spending more than half of his life in the hospital, 10-year-old Anthony finally returned home this past August. Although he remained positive throughout his journey, Anthony is excited to enjoy normal kid activities without the burden of his oxygen.
Upon arriving home Anthony jumped into playing soccer and other games with his younger brother, Dylan. He also enjoys playing the piano which helped him through the most difficult times in the hospital. Lucy says that watching his growth and strength throughout his journey has been inspiring.
“If he is strong it means I have to be stronger,” she emphasizes. Lucy is also looking forward to the holidays. This will be the first time in years her family can celebrate without worrying about Anthony’s oxygen needs. Most importantly she expresses her gratitude to the House and its staff for helping her family throughout their journey.
This year numerous families will stay at the House over the holidays, and we need your help to ensure they are provided with affordable lodging, meals and important services during the transplant journey.
“I am thankful that I was introduced to the House. It’s a wonderful, peaceful and welcoming environment,
and has been a great help,”
Every gift regardless of its size will mean the world to these families. Knowing they have a community of support behind them will bring much-needed hope during their darkest times. Your gift today will help keep the fees low by bridging the gap between the modest nightly fee of $40 and the actual cost of providing services, which now exceeds $200.
For families like Anthony’s, the House is an essential part of their path back home. Help continue to support their journey and many others by making a gift today.
If you can offer a special gift of $250 or more, you’ll also become a cherished member of the Family Circle.
Interested in supporting our Adopt-A-Family Program?
CELEBRATING THE HEROES WHO MAKE THE MISSION POSSIBLE
Donna Shinn BOTTOM: Patty Nelson
For 13 years, Gift of Life Howie’s House has been a welcoming safe haven for organ transplant patients, caregivers and their families. It is a place where loved ones can relax and share a meal after enduring a long day at the hospital. A place to connect with others who share similar experiences. A place of comfort during a tumultuous journey.
The mission of the House would not be possible without the heroes who remain dedicated to its important work. From generous contributors to compassionate volunteers, the services provided at the House rely on their ongoing support.
To show gratitude for the vital role they play in the mission, a special breakfast, themed “Heroes Among Us”, was hosted to celebrate the heroic impact supporters have on the transplant families. The community came together and unveiled their capes for a morning of stories shared, memories made, and connections built.
Rick Hasz, President & CEO, along with Jan L. Weinstock, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, expressed their thoughts on the incredible strength of the Gift of Life Howie’s House community. They also provided insights into some exciting House updates, milestones, and happenings.
As Rick Hasz said, “Whether you are a contributor, a volunteer, a partner, or a friend of the House, your involvement holds immense value for us and the families we serve. The impact you’ve made is a shining light for those on the transplant journey, and I am so grateful to celebrate you.”
Past guest, Rogina, shared her story and her experiences at the House. Rogina’s daughter, Kemiyah, is 16 years old and has been in the hospital since November of 2023 while she waits for a life-saving heart transplant. Rogina, and her youngest son, Kane, have been staying at the House to remain close to Kemiyah during her wait.
“Staying at Gift of Life Howie’s House has been a true blessing. Kane, my 19-month-old son and I have been here since March. We have met so many other families in similar situations and heard so many stories. Everyone here are warriors. I don’t know what we would do if we didn’t have a place like this,” Rogina says.
It is because of our community that families like Rogina’s have a comfortable place to stay, warm meals at night and a supportive network of people who know what they are going through.
The House is grateful to have provided over $13 million in subsidized care and services over its 13-year history, never turning a family away who cannot afford the nightly fee. Whether you are a Home Cook Hero cooking meals for the guests, a generous contributor, an active participant in events or another one of the amazing community members – the success of the mission is owed to you.
Balancing caregiving for a transplant patient and being a mom can feel like an overwhelming task. Jessica shares her experiences of caring for her son facing the unimaginable challenge of heart failure and the urgent need for a heart transplant.
Jessica, Mother of CJ
Q: How have you managed emotionally since CJ has been sick for so many years?
A:It’s hard because I’ve seen him go through this for years, and I can’t fix it. Especially because he wants to be normal and do normal things, and he can’t. It’s mentally and emotionally draining after all these years. I try not to stretch myself too thin, which is important for any mom. When he is hospitalized, I try to take a walk when he is doing well. I have also met other moms with kids in similar situations, which has been helpful. I have people checking in on me every day by phone and text. As a family we try to focus on the positives and enjoy the times we do have because things could be so much worse. I want to preserve the time we have with CJ and focus on the good things as long as I can.
Q: CJ has had a heart condition since birth; he’s now 11 years old, with an LVAD and has been waiting for a heart transplant for almost three years. You also have four other daughters (13, 12, 9, and 6 years old). How do you balance being a mom to your son and three daughters with everything going on?
A: It’s very hard. Our church family helps us with so many things. There were times where he was hospitalized for really long periods. Between 2022 and 2023 he was hospitalized for just about an entire a year, and we had family to support our other daughters. My husband and I try to work as a team to be there for the kids, though it’s hard when we can’t be there together when CJ is at the hospital and the girls are at home. We try to find the little things and moments, like all of us FaceTiming every morning and every night and visiting on weekends.
Q: How has it been for you knowing another mom and family will be grieving a loss when CJ receives his heart transplant?
A: I would never want another child to get ill or be hurt, especially since having my own children and a child who has an illness. When CJ was getting listed for a heart, a nurse encouraged us to think of it differently, that we’re not praying for another child to die for CJ to live, we’re praying for that child’s loved one to have the strength to say yes to donation by blessing CJ with the gift of life in their time of their tragedy. I still struggle thinking about it, especially during the times when CJ has gotten “calls,” but we still pray for those families regardless of whether they would go on to become a donor for CJ.
You can provide hope to the thousands of people like CJ who are waiting for a transplant. Learn more and sign up at www.donors1.org/register
A heartfelt thanks go out to all the talented artists who shared their creations and to the hundreds of community members who generously contributed to the voting process.
Thanks to your support, over $15,000 was raised to benefit Gift of Life Howie’s House. These funds will play a crucial role in ensuring that the House can continue offering affordable lodging, meals, transportation, and supportive services to transplant patients and their families who travel to Philadelphia for life-saving medical care.
Congratulations to the Contest Winners!
Let’s celebrate the remarkable talent showcased in this year’s contest. Congratulations to the winners:
First Place
Nancy St. John
Renaissance, Study #2
Second Place
Kelly Brown
From Loss, Comes Hope
Third Place
Jeff Feeny
Postcard
Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue our mission of sharing kindness and support to the transplant community.
Joe Eitl is a Montgomery County native born with congenital heart disease. He and his family were told that he would not live past 3 years old, and that transplant would never be an option. Joe defied the odds and lived a normal, active life until he was 38 years old and his health started to decline. He was listed for a heart and liver transplant, and in November of 2020, Joe received his miraculous gifts of life. Joe lives with Down Syndrome, and due to the nature of his transplant he had many complications following his procedure. He was in and out of the hospital for over a year post-transplant, and his parents, Peg and Craig, relied on Gift of Life Howie’s House for a safe place to stay where they could be close to Joe.
“Our days start at around 7:30 or 8’clock in the morning and don’t end until 7:30 or 8’clock at night, and that’s on a good day… we were dreading the idea that we would be a two hour commute every day both ways.” – Peg Eitl, Joe’s mom and caregiver.
While staying at the House, Peg and Craig received access to home cooked meals, one-on-one counseling, and a private room and bathroom to decompress in at the end of the day. The services that the House provides allowed Joe’s family to feel taken care of so they can focus on what’s most important, taking care of their loved one.
Joe is now 3 years post-transplant and is back at home doing the things he loves which includes spending time with friends and family and rooting on his beloved Philadelphia sports teams.
“To say that the House was a saving a grace is an understatement,” says Peg.
Tom Fennell and his wife, Alice, traveled almost 1,000 miles from Iowa to Philadelphia hoping Tom would receive a life-saving heart transplant. Far from home, they found comfort and support at Gift of Life Howie’s House, which recently celebrated its 12th anniversary.
“Howie’s House gave us a safe place to stay, dinners, and camaraderie. It was the complete package,” said Tom. “We were able to connect with other transplant families and it helped us on our journey.”
Tom’s journey was unusual. Many transplant centers declined to accept him as a patient because of his age. Temple Health in Philadelphia welcomed Tom and, at 74, he became one of their oldest heart recipients.
Tom and Alice stayed at Howie’s House many months post transplant but were finally able to return home recently. They rang the Chimes of Hope at the House to celebrate (click here for video).
Thanks to a generous donor hero and caring support at Howie’s House, Tom and Alice can get back to doing the things they love. They have already planned a family vacation at their lake house and hope to travel to Mexico next year.
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