PICTURED L-R: Rick Hasz, President & CEO, Gift of Life Donor Program, Troy Ovechka, Jennifer Ovechka, Faith Osborne, LSW, Abby Wells, Talia Giordano, LCSW
For those undergoing the transplant journey, having a place to feel safe and supported during a medical emergency makes a world of difference. While many would agree that there’s no place like your own home, Gift of Life Howie’s House has been providing a home away from home for transplant families for over a decade.
This summer, the House celebrated 12 years of serving the organ transplant community. Since opening in 2011, the backbone of the House has been the generous contributors and dedicated volunteers that continue to support the mission.
Annual Breakfast Honors Generous Community
“It has been an honor to watch the House grow and change due to the support of this amazing community. The House completes the circle of care that begins when someone gives the gift of life. I couldn’t be more grateful to this community for helping fulfill that mission.”
Rick Hasz, President and CEO
To recognize their support, a special breakfast was held for the contributors and volunteers that help make the House’s mission a reality. The annual President’s Breakfast took place on May 12th, and was truly a fantastic morning where lots of laughs, memories, and milestones were shared. The event’s theme was “There’s No Place Like Home”, in honor of the home away from home that the community helps to sustain.
PICTURED TOP L-R: Jan L. Weinstock, Esq., Jennifer Platzkere Snyder, Esq.; Andrew Bowen, Burton John Mattice; Janice Schwartz Donahue, Karen Barnett, Barbara Katz-Chobert;Lesa Kramer, Catheanne Long
Rick Hasz, President & CEO, along with Jan L. Weinstock, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, shared a few words about how integral the generosity of the community is to sustaining the House’s mission. They also shared some exciting House happenings and important milestones reached.
Past guest and lung transplant recipient, Jennifer Ovechka, shared the story of her journey while staying at the House, and the amazing things she has been able to accomplish after receiving her life-saving lung transplant.
“Since leaving Gift of Life Howie’s House, I was able to run a 5-mile race, work full-time as a medical assistant, buy a home, and above all marry Troy, my sweet big guy who never left my side. The House was crucial during my recovery. Every meal at the end of the day was appreciated, and every tidy bed to rest my head was valued.”
Jennifer Ovechka
Lung Transplant RecipientIn its 12-year history, the House has provided thousands of families with the care and services that they desperately rely on while on the transplant journey. Since opening, it has provided over $12,530,000 in subsidized care, over 316,000 meals, and over 88,457 lodging nights of care. Families have never been asked to pay more than $40 a night, and no family has ever been turned away due to inability to pay.
PICTURED L-R: Cynthia London, Dearrdra Hollingsworth, Johann Schneider, Beverly Schneider, Vivian Gano, Tom Gano
Volunteers Provide Valuable Support
Many volunteers help strengthen the mission. Rosie Lemansky, a donor family member and long-time volunteer, has been serving at the House since its inception.
“In my 12 years of volunteering, I have talked to so many of the people and they are incredibly grateful for this place. When I work here on Wednesdays, I see people that have come together that live in different parts of the country, but they’re bonded by their situation and they can relate to each other and I think that is such an important part of it. It makes me feel good to know that I am a part of this whole process.”
Rosie Lemansky
Donor Family MemberAlthough the journey home after transplant is much more than three clicks of ruby red slippers, the dedication of volunteers like Rosie, along with many generous friends have helped make the House a home away from home for thousands of transplant families.
GIFT OF LIFE EXTENDS ITS GRATITUDE TO THE COMMUNITY
FOR HELPING TO PROVIDE 12 YEARS OF HOME AT THE HOUSE.
Support Gift of Life Howie’s House
Explore ways to support Gift of Life Howie’s House and our mission to provide a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families by providing temporary, affordable lodging, and supportive services to those who travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for transplant-related care.
At Gift of Life Howie’s House, guests are provided with a private bedroom and bathroom that comes equipped with many of the necessities that families rely on when away from home. Many of those guests, however, experience limited mobility due to significant physical challenges that come with transplant and request rooms that are more accessible
Approximately 25% of guests make these requests. Unfortunately, many have to wait for a more accessible room to become available.
“You never know when you go somewhere if it’s going to be accessible, so knowing that we had this room where he could maneuver was a relief. It allowed him to have his privacy and independence, and I could have a little bit of free time as well. Even if it’s ten minutes where I could read a book while he showers, it makes a difference,”
– Donna Nelson, Past House Guest
Out of 32 guest rooms, only 5 have bathrooms that are equipped with walk-in showers. For some guests, navigating over the wall of a tub can be incredibly challenging or even impossible. Many patients require the use of a shower chair, which is also difficult to maneuver in an already tight space with a wet surface, like the bathtub.
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower makes getting in and out much easier on both the patient and the caregiver. Guests with limited mobility do not have to worry about navigating over the wall of the tub, and those who require the use of a wheelchair have easier access inside of the bathroom and can transfer to a shower chair more smoothly.
Learn more about our campaign in our Spring 2023 Newsletter.
Spring Campaign 2023
Support the construction of four new, more accessible showers at the House.
Gift of Life Family House is a special place. The first facility of its kind, the Family House has provided over 80,000 comfortable nights of lodging, more than 336,000 delicious meals, and over $11 million of welcoming, subsidized care to thousands of families since it opened its doors in 2011.
However, places as special as the Family House don’t appear out of thin air. It takes a spark of imagination, generous funders, and years of planning and persistence, to turn pioneering concepts like this into reality. And in the case of Gift of Life Family House, that reality is due largely to the vision of Howard M. Nathan.
Howard is a towering figure in the world of organ donation, having served Gift of Life Donor Program for 43 years, 38 as its leader. Under his leadership, Gift of Life has grown into the largest and most successful organ donor and transplant network in the nation.
Alongside this work, Howard has spent over 20 years realizing the Family House vision, an idea that began very close to home. In 1991, Howard’s sister Martha needed a liver transplant, and Howard saw first-hand the challenges facing not only transplant patients, but the families that support them. In waiting room conversations with families, Howard discovered that worries about finding affordable lodging and meals were additional sources of stress for families already faced with the challenges of caring for a loved one.
Howard’s vision and determination, paired with the generous support of thousands of contributors, has made the Family House not only a place of warmth and support for people navigating some of the most stressful periods in their lives.
In gratitude for all of these accomplishments, and his tireless dedication to the organ transplant field, Gift of Life is proud and delighted to announce that on June 29, 2022, the Family House was officially renamed Gift of Life Howie’s House.
“I am very honored that Gift of Life Family House is being renamed Gift of Life Howie’s House.” said Howard during his remarks. “Some of you may wonder where that name came from. While most people know me by Howard, my family and close friends know me as Howie. It is a name that reminds me of home, growing up as a small-town kid in the safe haven of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It is this atmosphere of comfort, warmth, and safety that we provide here for our transplant patients and families at Howie’s House.”
Make a gift to provide a lasting tribute
Beyond Measure: The Howard M. Nathan Impact Fund will benefit the Gift of Life Howie’s House both now and into the future, and is an opportunity to honor Howard with a personal or corporate contribution, in thanks for his outsized influence on donation and transplantation. The Beyond Measure fund will ensure that Gift of Life Howie’s House remains a welcoming home away from home, and continues to fulfill its commitment that no family be turned away for inability to pay.
Every donation to the Fund is a symbol of gratitude to Howard, and a promise to support transplant families and the future success of the House – and we hope you will join us!
Gift of Life Howie’s House, celebrating its 11 years of providing support and affordable lodging stands as a testament to what Howard sought for all families. Compassion, care and expertise all harnessed to support life-saving work grounded in the altruistic acts of donor families.
Past Gift of Life Howie’s House guests reflect on the positive aspects of their transplant journey while providing encouragement to other transplant families.
Submitted by: Martina Wheeler
I was 32 when I first got sick. I was in and out of the local hospital for over a year. Then I spent 5 months in Danville. 10 Days after I was released I was rushed to University Pennsylvania Hospital. I was 34 and found I needed a liver transplant and cervical cancer. I had a 25% chance without a transplant. It was a good thing I was always built tough and too darn stubborn not to fight. It wasn’t easy, 3 hours from home.. Alone a lot of the time, I was okay with that. Towards the end, I put it in God’s hands. Then I received a last second Hail Mary miracle. My family rushed down, in a state of shock because they didn’t expect me to pull through. As I said earlier I am built tough. It was March, and the weather was just starting to get nice. I lived 3 hours away so there was no way I could go back and forth. After all those months I wanted out!! The sun was almost teasing me. Thankfully they had room at the Gift of Life house. I was blessed to spend 10 days there. The amazing staff, the councilors ready and completely understood my feelings. I was having a hard time with feelings and the Darn steroids. The counselor sat me down and reminded me this is the first of many days ahead both good and bad, and they were ALWAYS there if I needed to talk. I was blown away by the understanding and compassion among the staff and other residents there. I met a few inspiring patients that shared their story and made me feel that I was never alone in this, and I was a survivor. I was one of the lucky people given the Gift of life. Plus I thanked God and the staff as much as I could because I was done with the awful Hospital food!! I will always be forever thankful for those 10 days also to adjust. And here I am 4 years later back to work full time and getting to see my son Peter grow up. A gift and blessing words cannot explain.”The day Wendy was released from the hospital and was able to stay at the family house and we met some wonderful people and made some great friends. The staff and facilities are excellent!!!! Thank you for this awesome place to call home in the most difficult time.”
Submitted by: Nancy Robitzski
“I received my kidney transplant at UPenn a little more than five years. I live in Staten Island NY. I stayed at Gift of Life Howie’s House several times since then I don’t want to sound too dramatic but this facility saved my life after the operation. It was impossible for me to travel for doctors’ appointments in PA. I, unfortunately, needed to stay longer than I anticipated I am much better. The room and other facilities were comfortable and attractive. The shuttle and the drivers made me feel very safe. The whole staff made me smile when I sometimes did not feel like it. But the food, the people who provided meals were fabulous; the menu was delicious and ever-changing. I looked forward to dinner every night even when I didn’t feel well. Whenever I think back to my experiences, I never forget to say a huge ‘thank you’ for this wonderful place!”
Submitted by: Jeff Campbell
“The day Wendy was released from the hospital and was able to stay at the house and we met some wonderful people and made some great friends. The staff and facilities are excellent!!!! Thank you for this awesome place to call home in the most difficult time.”
Submitted by: David Schauber
“After a long drive to Philadelphia for a day of post-transplant hospital tests & appointments I walked into Gift of Life. There I saw my ICU nurse who cared for me during my transplant dressed for GOL’s Hawaiian luau night. She and other volunteers had prepared a delicious meal and once again was caring for & serving all of us. It was heartwarming to see her, the GOL staff & hear their encouraging words!”
Submitted by: Andrew Vavra
“I have two favorite memories of the house. The first one is when I returned two years after my transplant with a group of my friends from work to bake cookies for the guests staying there that week. It was a very rewarding experience and it felt great to “”pay it forward.” My second memory is fairly recent when a group of transplant recipients living donors and donor family members from the area joined Gift of Life’s Colleen Duran this past February for WHYY’s annual membership drive on National Organ Donor Day. It was wonderful meeting others who have made the journey and is something I look forward to repeating.”
Submitted by: Patty Sigur
“My daughter Nicole Kohr underwent her double lung transplant at Penn in June of 2019. The transplant house was such a special and healing place for all of us.”
Submitted by: Nicole Ward
“The house was our home away from home for 3 months while waiting for a transplant and a military transfer for my husband from Florida to New Jersey. In those 3 months our kids got to see their first snow, we celebrated Easter, one little boy’s second birthday, and Mother’s Day. We will always hold the house dear for being there for us during such an uncertain and challenging time.”
Submitted by: Joan Shuck
“I found it very comforting at Gift of Life Howie’s House. I met some people that were going through similar situations and we would talk about the ups and downs. Talking helped me a great deal.”
Submitted by: Linda Ciota
“The first time I went to the house it was for my evaluation for a lung transplant. My doctor had said go for the testing and get on their radar. I had no idea how sick I really was then. On my first day of testing I was told my lungs were functioning at 30% and I had a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. I was also giving the survival statistics for post-transplant and they aren’t that great either. I was 53 had a daughter still in college and my son was just starting his career. I had lost both my sister in law and my mother that year and I thought I wasn’t going to make it emotionally through the week. When I got to the house that evening we spoke to the social worker she calmed me down and put some of the statistics in a better light. She also said I should try to talk to the other guests at dinner that evening. She said people who were post-transplant could give me some prospective. I spoke to a few family members and transplant patients that night and connected with two guests going through the same testing as me. That was December 2017. I have been listed since March 2018. I am still pre-transplant but have been back Gift of Life Howie’s House for many of my doctor visits.”
Submitted by: Dustin Myers
“I don’t have just one story or memory of the Gift of Life Howie’s House but I’ll share a few. I was here from December 30th through the middle of February. I had received a liver transplant and was there to stay while I healed and went to doctors’ appointments twice a week. During that time I met caring and wonderful staff counselors and shuttle drivers. The home cook heroes always provided yummy dinners every evening which was something to look forward too. Another thing that always stuck out was the never ending baked goods and sweets they always seemed to have I felt like a big kid whenever I wandered into the kitchen and took a treat!! I’m very thankful for the Gift of Life Howie’s House and its staff and volunteers.”
Submitted by: Angelina Bagu
“I can’t explain one memory alone it’s too much to be thankful and grateful to have been honored with the love and caring I received in your place. You guys rock from staff to visitors and my new found family friends xoxoxo”
These memorable moments were submitted by Home Cook Hero volunteers. You can submit your favorite moments from volunteering in our kitchen, too! Click here to get started.
Team Name: Desiree Rivers Submitted by: Path to the Plate
“My family and I have had many great memories serving at the Howie’s House! One of my favorite moments was when we added games/prizes to our Home Cook Heroes dinner. On that same night, one of my volunteers shared her story about organ donation, which I was not aware of at the time. Her story was very touching and encouraging, not only to the guests but to the other volunteers as well. We all had such a great time conversing and eating with the guests and playing games. I am very grateful that my family and friends had the opportunity to share time with the many wonderful, brave and resilient guests at the FH.”
Team Name: Missy Gurmankin Submitted by: Gurmankins, Wortzels and Rosenthols
“Christmas Day 2012. Our friends, including our kids who were home from college, cooked a festive Christmas dinner at the Gift of Life Howie’s House. There was a beautiful family spending the holiday at the GOLFH while they waited for their young son to receive a lung transplant. Their entire family was there together along with ours. After dinner, we all sat down and created cookie cottages made from graham crackers and frosting and decorated with lots of candy. It was one of the most fun and memorable Christmases my family and friends have ever spent together. Thank you for the opportunity and the memories!”
Team Name: Mary Collin Submitted by: Fight Like Frank
“Our daughter, Christine (in white at left) organized several brunches in memory of her late husband, Frank. Frank donated kidneys, corneas, heart valves, and more after a brain aneurysm. Christine was a young widow and new mom to 8 month-old Lucas, working full-time as a special needs teacher. She managed to get us (mother of Frank; aunt; cousin; mom – me at right in green; dad; friends; others) together for this act of love. However, Gift of Life House was a lifeline for HER in this critical and sad time.”
Team Name: MTF Biologics Submitted by: Tracy LuCante
“Since we can’t be there in person we wanted to share this message with all of you at the Gift of Life Howie’s House.”Although we can’t be there, MTF Biologics is sending LOVE & SUPPORT. Let’s hold virtual hands. We’re all in this together. “Love, MTF Contracts, and National Accounts Department. ”
Team Name: Further Her in Action Submitted by: Robyn
“I am a Donor Mom and love what the Howie’s House does for families. My women’s empowerment company, Further Her in Action, loves to help me give back in this way. Yesterday was 17 years since my son died and I donated his organs.”
Team Name: Team Eddie XX Submitted by: Diane
“My husband Ed became an organ, eye and tissue donor on Nov 19, 1997. To honor Ed and celebrate 20 years of saving lives, my whole family joined me as we cooked a delicious meal for the grateful residents of the Howie’s House. It was truly a wonderful night!”
Team Name: Team Luca Submitted by: Rick
“Until recently (Covid) I would drive the Saturday AM Shuttle .
When my grandson was having his transplant, my daughter didn’t need to use the family House …But she met another mom at CHOP who was staying there. It was she (the friend) who sparked my interest in giving back to the Gift of Life Howie’s House .
Having Team Luca cook brunch on my Saturday was the best! Friends and family got to see firsthand what a great place the Howie’s House is and how good the staff and families make you feel for volunteering!
Amelia (who wasn’t even working ) came in to have brunch with us ! It was an awesome event for all.”
Team Name: Recycled Man Cooks Submitted by: Mark
“I received a heart transplant in 2008 at Hahnemann Hospital before the Howie’s House was built. My wife Terry and I were thrilled the join with Erin and Derek Fitzgerald and others to provide a wonderful Italian feast for the guests in January, 2020. Just a small way to give back!!!”
Team Name: Captivated by Collin’s Smile Submitted by: Nicole
“It’s hard to pick just one moment to share from our Home Cook Heroes experiences, because each one has been unique and special and so gratifying. But if I had to pick, I would have to say the times we served dinner on what would have been our son Collin’s birthday. While certainly not the way we would have ever dreamed we would spend his birthdays, it has turned out to be a great way for us to remember and celebrate him. The most memorable one would probably be what would have been Collin’s 16th birthday. We brought some of his favorite party foods and of course, we always bring birthday cake and sing to him. Various friends and family have joined us over the years and it has become a special tradition and our way of remembering and celebrating him. Collin became an organ donor at just 5 years old in November 2004. He generously donated both kidneys, his liver, intestine and heart. So cooking at the Howie’s House is the perfect way to honor him, his gifts and his recipients.”
Team Name: R.A.D. Family Submitted by: Amy
“Spending time with the families staying at the Howie’s House and playing bingo with them. They shared stories and it really just felt like we were having a Sunday dinner with an extended family. We are so grateful for Gift of Life and our family took on the name of R.A.D. to highlight that we are a family of recipients, advocates and donors and wanted to give back to our Gift of Life community in honor of my moms 70th and my 50th birthdays instead of having a party.”
Team Name: Hahnemann Hospital Second Chance Heart Transplant Support Group Submitted by: Terry
“My husband Mark Meade received a heart transplant in 2008. This photo is from 2012. The Howie’s House had not been built in 2008 or it would have dramatically changed my experience as his caregiver. I traveled daily for months back and forth to New Jersey. “
Team name: Pat and Peters Pals Submitted by: Joan Zekonis
“We started coming to the family house 6 years ago after I attended a conference at GOL. Your staff was so passionate and sincere about the process, so I wanted to get more involved. It started with just my son and me, but we would return at least once a year and every time another friend or family member would join us. It brings so much joy for all of us to plan our dinner and come to the house to help patients and families. When we started we didn’t know anyone involved in the donor/recipient process but since then we have had a family member become a donor. Home Cook Hero’s is a special family/friend “event” we look forward too.”
Team name: The Nagorsky Family Submitted by: Julie Nagorsky
“I have enjoyed volunteering with my daughter, Sydney and some of her friends over the years as a Home Cook Hero. This past summer prior to Sydney and her friends leaving to start college, we were able to bring her friends and their moms all together to cook. It was such a special evening for me as I have watched my daughter grow up cooking at The Gift of Life House since she was 12 years old. We had promised to make it an annual tradition and we are hoping and praying that we can be there to cook in August!”
Team name: TRIO Philadelphia Submitted by: Jim Gleason
“Our local Philadelphia chapter of TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization) came over to bake for the Howie’s House after one of our regular chapter meetings at the Gift of Life office. What a fun time was had by one and all while supporting patients and families who are following in our own transplant journey.”
Team name: City Sisters Submitted by: Karen Rodgers
“CITY SISTERS gathers annually to cook for the residents of the Howie’s House.
We do this yearly to honor and remember our family member/friend Debbie who was a donor. We also honor our dear friends: Bob who was a recipient and Joe who is a recipient. Stay safe and well! God Bless.”
Team name: Temple University – Gamma Iota Sigma Submitted by: Mary Smith
“Our Eric graduated from Temple University in 2011 and was a member of the Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity. He was an organ donor. After his passing that year, Gamma chose to honor Eric and another Gamma member, Kevin, by fundraising to underwrite a guest room at The Howie’s House. In this picture, my daughter and I were invited to participate in serving a meal with some amazing Gamma members. It touched our hearts to be included.”
Team name: Eaton/Van Kleunen Family Submitted by: Wendy Eaton
“Our family served a meal at the Howie’s House on Good Friday in 2019. We like to give back since we were blessed with Ed receiving the gift of life in 2009. We enjoy talking with the residents and giving them words of encouragement and hope. We have also participated in the Donor Dash and Wish List drives. Thank you for the beautiful facility you provide for patients and families!”
Team name: Lincoln Financial Group Submitted by: Tatiana Hersh
“Volunteers from various Lincoln departments joined together to cook for families one afternoon a few years ago”
Team name: Brusich/McGinty Family Grateful for the Gift Submitted by: Joanne Brusich
“Our family has spent the last 5 years together cooking, baking, decorating and enjoying Thanksgiving with the families, guests and staff at The Howie’s House. I stayed there after my transplant in 2015 and am so blessed to share Thanksgiving Day with so many wonderful families and staff connected to the transplant community. Our favorite moments come during dinner when we sit with families, listen to their stories and share ours. Every year we get to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends and still get to share our day together! Our cooks and helpers range in age from 6-85! Thank you Gift of Life Howie’s House for always being there when you’re needed the most. Looking forward to Thanksgiving 2020! 💙💚💙💚”
Team name: Team Kellie Submitted by: Sherri Baur
“My family and I cook at the Gift of Life Howie’s House a couple times a year. My favorite memory on top of all of the wonderful people we meet was when we set the grill on fire while cooking burgers. Everything ended up being fine, but very memorable moment. We are looking forward to getting back to the house to cook.
Be well everyone.”
Team name: GOL of Howie’s House Board Submitted by: Janice Waitkus
“The first time I volunteered to cook was the-advisory board team! We each had an assignment and came ready to prepare and cook and bring what was needed!”
Team name: Gamma Iota Sigma (Temple University) Submitted by: Daniel Polhamus
“I always love going to the Howie’s House to volunteer. My favorite moment was going in November 2018, when I went with a group of students to make a spaghetti dinner. This trip stands out because our organization selected the Howie’s House as our Charity of Choice for that school year. I had participated in some fundraising events at Temple, but it was very rewarding to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Howie’s House.“
Team name: Ed’s Eyes Submitted by: Dee Daugherty
“Our group, Ed’s Eyes, volunteers at the Howie’s House to honor my stepfather, Ed Mitchell. We have an enjoyable experience every time we plan and prepare a meal for the Howie’s House, so it is difficult to choose a favorite. In July 2016, we prepared dishes that centered around an Under the Sea theme, so we had a particularly good time with that one. We can’t wait to get back in the kitchen and make another meal as soon as we are able. Stay well, everyone!”
Team name: Four Ladies and Friends Submitted by: Sandy Kelly
“We have met so many nice people! We join another volunteer group to do some brunches and volunteer with them at Mcgee Rehab as well. This photo is another event we volunteer for….the Donor Dash.”
Team name: Jefferson Preoperative Nurses/OR Nurses Submitted by: Rae Fierro
“One patient and his wife were so grateful for our meal and since we were nurses, they shared their journey of waiting and then finally receiving a transplant. Their appreciation and warmth gave us such a gift, as we were able to hear how we made a difference! When you work in the OR, you rarely hear or know how you touch and impact people’s lives.
Looking forward to coming back to cook again!”
Team name: Keith’s Crusaders Submitted by: Eileen Hoff
“What an amazing morning it was to prepare brunch at the Gift of Life Howie’s House! We met so many awesome families and made friends. We shared this day with our dad, Keith, who received his lung transplant two years ago. He was able to participate in this wonderful day with a few of his children, a daughter in law, four of his granddaughters, and his wife!
A few years ago this never would have been possible. We are so grateful. We were honored to be able to give back just a little bit to the Gift of Life Howie’s House! We cannot wait to be able to do it again in the near future.”
Team name: April + Roman Submitted by: April Hennessey
“My son and I cherish our one-on-one time together baking treats as Home Cook Heroes. And often times the smell of cupcakes baking in the oven always seems to attract a guest and we all end up in a lovely conversation.”
Team name: Team Trion Submitted by: Anna Li
“Our group from Trion had a wonderful time making baked goods for the families staying at the Howie’s House. Thank you to the Howie’s House for all that you do to help those in need!”
Team name: Addison’s Angels Submitted by: Brittany Moore
“We have only had two experiences so far but they were both incredible. Beyond words! We have already booked four more sessions in the upcoming 3 years. We love it. Just the warm feeling you get when seeing the smiles on the guests faces as they eat the meal you prepare. The conversations you have, the friendly staff, the environment. Sharing our daughters story. All of it, we cannot get enough! Definitely one of our FAVORITE ways to give back in honor of our daughter Addison!”
Team name: Team Spiers Submitted by: Lauren Savage
“My family and I discovered the Howie’s House after my brother suddenly passed away in July 2011. To honor my brother, each month we partake in the Home Cook Heroes program. We have met so many amazing transplant recipients/donors and their families while cooking at the Howie’s House! I love that this is truly a FAMILY experience for us. Here are Kevin and Rhae, 2 of our younger “assistants” relaxing in the Howie’s House Legacy Garden after one of our nights cooking there!”
Team name: Team Spiers Submitted by: Denise Schmidt
“We loved spending the holiday season with the Howie’s House Guests and singing holiday songs with them.”
Team name: Ryan’s Shamrocks Submitted by: Carol McCloud
“We have so many great memories as Home Cook Heroes. We love coming on Ryan’s “Angelversary” and his birthday each year, sharing his story and his gift while helping others.”
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