Campaign and Supporter Stories

Group in "Christmas Crew" shirts and red and black pajama pants gathered around a giant check for $10,000 made out to Howie's House
Four people standing next to cart of donated pantry staples from the wish-list drive in the Howie's House entrance

Our friends at the Transplant Alliance Foundation and Street Bingo recently held their 9th Annual Project Secret Santa event and generously donated $10,000 to support Gift of Life Howie’s House!

Father and daughter duo Ken Lovely and Danielle Bailey, along with support from Kenya Walker and many dedicated volunteers, run the Transplant Alliance Foundation in memory of their mother, wife, and friend, Mary Jo Lovely. Mary Jo co-founded the organization and was an avid advocate for organ donation, a DASH volunteer, and a recipient of two lung transplants. Mary Jo sadly passed away in 2021, and her family and community continue to run the Transplant Alliance Foundation to help raise funds for the House and other causes!

In addition to their recent successful Bingo fundraiser, our friends at the Transplant Alliance Foundation also held a wish-list drive to collect pantry staples for our guests at the House! Ken Lovely and Kenya Walker stopped by this week to donate their items, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

Thank you to Ken, Kenya, Danielle Bailey, and the entire State Street Bingo community for all you do for transplant patients and their families!

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.

Two Gift of Life Howie's House employees standing next to the Phillies mascot Phillie Phanatic

Gift of Life Howie’s House is proud to announce that it was the recipient of a $40,000 grant this year from Philadelphia Phillies Charities, Inc!

The Phillies have been an important partner of Gift of Life for many years, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support and dedication to transplant families, and to raising awareness about organ donation and transplantation. Staff members Abby Wells and Miranda Porter had the opportunity to attend a special event celebrating all the grantees and were thrilled to meet the Phillie Phanatic!

Thank you to Phillies Charities, Inc. for their support of our mission. Click here to read more about their generosity this year: https://ow.ly/7AAg50Ur0K8

Mother and Daughter smiling and embracing surrounded by the text Giving Tuesday, Thank you! Matching Gift Goal Reached!

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!

BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY

Sarita siting on tree stump and smiling.

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.

Sarita and Mark Felder sitting together on their boat.
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.

SARITA with her daughter JODETTE and her husband Mark.

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 (age 10), Lung transplant recipient

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.

Anthony Rojas with his mother Lucy
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.

Anthony Rojas standing with his younger brother Dylan

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?

Gift of Life Howie’s House is excited to announce a new partnership with the Foxwynd Foundation!

The House was recently awarded a $40,000 matching gift from the Foxwynd Foundation for its upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign. This incredible partnership will allow the House to set its most ambitious goal for Giving Tuesday to date, and will match each individual gift, dollar for dollar, up to $40,000!

The Foxwynd Foundation is an organization based in Uwchlan, PA dedicated to providing a beacon of hope for communities in need with a focus on healthcare, housing and environmental initiatives. The mission of Gift of Life Howie’s House is to serve as a home away from home for transplant patients and their families by providing temporary, affordable lodging and supportive services to those who must travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care.

Funds raised on Giving Tuesday and matched by the Foxwynd Foundation will support the Adopt-A-Family Program, which helps subsidize the actual cost of staying at the House to keep room fees low. The program also covers costs for families who cannot afford the $40 nightly fee, ensuring no family is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

“Foxwynd Foundation is proud to support Gift of Life Howie’s House in providing a comforting home-away-from-home for families during challenging medical treatments. We believe in creating meaningful partnerships that strengthen our community and bring hope to those in need,” says, Pamela Villagra, Executive Director of the Foxwynd Foundation.

The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous gift to Gift of Life Howie’s House.

The generosity of the Foxwynd Foundation and their Board of Trustees provides an exciting opportunity to set the House’s largest Giving Tuesday fundraising goal to date. The Foundation’s matching gift has given the potential to raise an additional $40,000 on Giving Tuesday – bringing the potential funds raised to $80,000.

The House is excited about this new partnership and looks forward to leveraging the Foxwynd Foundation’s gift this Giving Tuesday, December 3rd.

Bee a Blessing hosted Annual Friends for Life Fundraiser at Collingswood Grand Ballroom

Last weekend, our friends over at @beeablessingnj hosted their annual Friends for Life fundraiser at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom and it was a huge hit! The theme was Lights Camera Action and attendees came dressed for the occasion in various movie and TV costumes. This special event raised funds for Gift of Life Howie’s House and the Bee a Blessing Scholarship fund.

The Clendining family continues Bee a Blessing, Inc. in memory of their two siblings, Jan and Michael, who were both transplant recipients, and in honor of their mother, Rose, who is a living donor. We are grateful to the family and their entire community for their continuous support of our mission!

Check out these photos on our instagram from the event and let us know which costume is your favorite!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAE0gBPNNQY/

National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) was established in 2008 to highlight the importance of estate planning and ensure more people understand how to protect their financial assets and their loved ones. This year NEPAW will be held from October 21st through the 27th. This week serves as a reminder for individuals and families to take action and prepare for the future.

An estate plan is a thoughtful legal arrangement that allows you to guide the management of your financial assets, medical choices, and other responsibilities in the event you are unable to do so or at the end of your life. Essential elements include a will, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations for retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out and provides security for your loved ones.

Why is Estate Planning a Vital Component of Financial Wellness?

Estate planning is a crucial part of financial health for several reasons. It allows you to direct how your assets are handled, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. With proper planning, you can also reduce estate taxes and avoid the costly probate process, which can delay asset distribution. And by making provisions for minor children or dependents, you ensure their well-being and future financial stability. A well-crafted plan prevents family disputes and provides clear guidance in the event of incapacitation or death.

Despite its importance, many Americans are unprepared. In fact, according to Caring.com 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan and 73% of parents with children under 18 have no legal plan in place. These statistics underscore the need for greater awareness and action.

Supporting Gift of Life Howie’s House Through Planned Giving

Gift of Life Howie’s House offers a meaningful way for individuals to support families in need through The Legacy Society for Planned Giving. By including the House in your estate plan, you can ensure that transplant families continue to receive the care and support they need for years to come.

Planned giving contributors, like Sean Rhoads, who chose to leave a legacy with the House, often do so out of gratitude for the profound impact the organization had on their families. Sean shared, “I know that by giving back to Howie’s House, I’m helping to provide a place for families going through a journey like ours.” Through estate planning, donors can continue supporting an organization close to their hearts while also securing their own financial wellness.

Join the Legacy Society Today

To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy at Gift of Life Howie’s House, please visit our Planned Giving page and discover how simple it can be to include a charitable gift in your estate plan. With your support, the House can continue to provide a “home away from home” for transplant families when they need it most.

We’d like to give a special shout out to our friends at Organ Recovery Systems, who not only cooked a meal for our families tonight but also recently supported our Home Cook Heroes Program with a generous pledge of $100,000! Organ Recovery Systems has been a partner in caring for transplant families at the House since 2011, and we could not be more grateful for their support of our mission.

“Supporting Gift of Life Howie’s House is a true privilege – their unwavering dedication to caring for transplant patients and their families is nothing short of inspiring, and Organ Recovery Systems is honored to play a small part in their incredible mission. Our team especially loves participating in the Home Cook Heroes Program, where we can offer comfort through meals and contribute to the sense of community and care that Howie’s House provides”, says Kayla Andalina, ORS team member.

Thank you to Organ Recovery Systems for more than 13 years of steadfast support for transplant families at the House!

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