Campaign and Supporter Stories
By: Allison McDaniel
As the festivities of Hanukkah begin this weekend, many families will celebrate the holiday with eight nights of lights and presents that bring joy to children and parents alike. Many others will have a more challenging journey, as they face their first holiday after the loss of a loved one.
Philadelphia native, Betsy Horen, was married to her husband and best friend, Bob, for more than 40 years before he passed away last year. They traveled the world together and were a perfect match. They both worked hard and had successful careers, but always kept a firm focus on living life to its fullest and enjoying every moment – whether it was going to the theater, visiting their time share in London, or going to their synagogue, Beth Zion-Beth Israel (BZBI), where they were part of a close-knit, supportive community.
Although this holiday will be a difficult one for Betsy, she speaks with gratitude about the nearly ten years that Bob was able to live because of one person’s selfless decision to say yes to organ and tissue donation. Bob had been diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a condition that causes abnormal protein to build up in tissues and organs. The disease attacked his kidneys, resulting in him needing a kidney transplant to survive.
“I feel like we were so lucky to receive the call that there was a perfect kidney for Bob.” said Betsy. “We were also lucky that Bob was healthy for so long and we were really able to celebrate and experience life together. Our lives were for each other, and I am grateful that he was able to live and share so many wonderful experiences.”
Betsy uses the word “luck” often, and expresses a deep gratitude for the life she was able to share with him. Since Bob’s diagnosis, the couple promoted organ donation at their synagogue by hosting The Robert Horen Annual Donor Shabbat, which educated other members about his transplantation journey and the critical need for individuals to register as donors. In addition, Bob spoke in support of donation in the community and at local schools. Betsy also became an advocate for donation during the time that Bob was waiting for his transplant. She began volunteering for Gift of Life Donor Program to give back, and became a huge supporter of Gift of Life’s Howie’s House, a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families.
Since Bob’s passing, Betsy has dedicated an area – a gateway to the Legacy Garden – at the Howie’s House in Bob’s name and has also honored his memory with a memorial paver in the garden. Betsy said, “It’s so peaceful to sit in the garden and to realize how fortunate all of us are, and how lucky the people are that are able to stay at the Howie’s House. When Bob was first diagnosed, we would have to travel back and forth from Philadelphia to Boston for treatments. Because of his restrictive diet, we couldn’t eat at restaurants, so we had to bring containers of food with us. Going through it, I understand how the Howie’s House really gives people peace of mind.”
Religion has played a major role in Betsy’s life, and it will continue to this holiday as she navigates it without Bob. She proudly describes the numerous heartfelt dedications that she has made in his honor at their synagogue. Her goal is to dedicate a plaque on the seat where Bob always sat at BZBI – right next to her.
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. For more information or to register, visit donors1.org. It only takes 30 seconds to register.
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 10th “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 21st 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.
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.”
It can take just one person to inspire meaningful change, and at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, for many students that one person is Arthur Thomas. Arthur is a heart transplant recipient who shared his transplant story with the student body six years ago. Moved by his life-saving experience, students Taylor Bloom and Mary Hopkins heard it as a call to action to raise awareness about organ donation, and from there, the Lives Saving Lives Club was created. With Arthur as its faculty adviser, the club has blossomed into a successful, student-run initiative to raise awareness and funds for organ donation.
Now, with nearly 30 active members, the Lives Saving Lives Club holds a number of fundraisers, including a raffle giveaway and the Annual Organ Donor Awareness Benefit Dinner. Much like the club itself, this benefit dinner is completely student-operated. From the string quartet performance to the four-course meal, these young leaders work tirelessly to make this a memorable evening – and what a success! This past year, the dinner raised $5,000 for the transplant patients and families of Gift of Life Howie’s House, proving their hard work has truly paid off.
Since 2009, these motivated students have raised an incredible $27,400 for the Howie’s House! Their outstanding support and dedication to our mission helps provide our guests with comfortable lodging, hot meals, a fully stocked pantry, a free shuttle service and so much more. Such support helps alleviate stress our patients and families face day-to-day – mentally, physically and emotionally. To further support the Howie’s House, the Lives Saving Lives Club has also served as wonderful Home Cook Heroes, cooking a delicious meal for our guests.
This past month, the Howie’s House was happy to receive a visit from Arthur and four other Lives Saving Lives Club members. Arthur was proud to
show these dedicated students how their fundraising efforts directly impact the Howie’s House. It all came full circle for these students when they saw their permanent paver located in our Legacy Garden that states, “The Lawrenceville School Proudly Supports Gift of Life Howie’s House.”
While Arthur did not stay at the Howie’s House himself, he emphasizes the importance of providing support to transplant patients and their families, as he has a firsthand understanding of the difficulties they may be experiencing. “Anything we can do to make their lives easier is worth it,” says Arthur. These students demonstrate that age is only a number when it comes to effectively creating change in the lives of our guests. Thank you to Arthur and all of the students of the Lawrenceville School for bringing the Lives Saving Lives Club to fruition and supporting our mission!
Nicki Loshnowsky never anticipated having to designate her five-year-old son, Collin, as an organ donor. And yet, in November 2004, the Loshnowsky family faced a heart-wrenching decision after Collin was struck by a car and suffered severe head trauma. With their world flipped upside down, the Loshnowsky’s found some light in a tragic situation by choosing donation, and subsequently saving five different lives by donating Collin’s intestine, two kidneys, liver and heart – true gifts of life. Through the Loshnowsky’s active involvement with Gift of Life Donor Program and Gift of Life Howie’s House, they have found means to heal, as well as to celebrate Collin’s wonderful life, all the while promoting the incredible impacts of organ donation.
Over the last 10 years, the Loshnowsky family has been involved in a number of Gift of Life initiatives in Collin’s memory. At the Transplant Games of America, an Olympic-style athletic competition for transplant recipients, organ donors and donor families, the Loshnowsky family has been an integral member of Team Philadelphia as honoring their son and connecting with other families who have found themselves on the same side of transplantation. At the Dash for Organ and Tissue Donation, the family bans together as team “Captivated by Collin’s Smile” to demonstrate, through strength in numbers, how organ donation saves lives. The Loshnowsky family will always remember Collin’s infectious smile and his wonderful “belly laugh.”
This past November was Collin’s 10th “Angelversary”, and the Loshnowsky family chose to honor his life by inspiring individuals to perform ten random acts of kindness. Doing their own part, the Loshnowsky family has made it their fervent goal to participate in the Howie’s House Home Cook Heroes program 10 times by the end of 2014, preparing meals for the Howie’s House transplant patients and their families. It is through this program that they are able to share experiences and stories with the guests – what Nicki always looks forward to most. The Loshnowsky’s Home Cook Hero meal on December 2nd will be an extra special dinner in honor of Collin’s 16th birthday.
The support provided by the Loshnowsky family never ceases to amaze us, as they have also hosted successful Wish List Drives in memory of Collin to further support the Howie’s House mission. While Collin cannot be here today, his name and memory will forever be honored through the family’s dedication to Gift of Life.
To learn more about how you can participate in Collin’s 10th “Angelversary”, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/529946973806475/. And don’t forget to share Collin’s story this holiday season as you partake in your own random acts of kindness – just use the hashtag “#cjl10years” when posting on your social media pages.
Here at Gift of Life Howie’s House, we are incredibly grateful for your support, both in this time of Thanksgiving and all year round, and in the spirit of the holidays, we would like to recognize how your generosity truly makes a difference.
THANKS TO YOU, our guests have a warm and caring home away from home where they have comfortable and safe rooms to sleep in and also home-cooked meals, transportation, and supportive services. Our Home Cook Heroes program has served more than 76,000 meals to date for our transplant patients and families. This program allows our guests to relax and not have to worry about having to prepare a hot meal after a strenuous day at the hospital. Additionally, the Caregiver Lifeline program ensures each guest feels supported emotionally and mentally while navigating through the transplant process.
THANKS TO YOU, our guests gain hope and strength by sharing their experiences with others who have walked in their shoes. Because we care for transplant patients and transplant caregivers specifically, Howie’s House guests are able to connect with others going through similar experiences and, as a result, gain a deeper understanding of their own transplant journey. The compassionate environment of the Howie’s House provides a network of support to each and every person who stays here.
THANKS TO YOU, we have never turned away a guest who could not afford our modest $40 nightly fee. Your support of our Adopt-A-Family Program makes this possible. Each $40 donation provides a one night stay for a transplant family, ensuring they are able to rest comfortably in a bed, rather than staying at a costly hotel, or worse, falling asleep in a hospital chair. The Adopt-A-Family Program also helps offset the difference between actually operating costs to house a family for one night ($160) and the $40 a night that families are asked to pay.
THANKS TO YOU, our guests who cannot go home for the holidays will not be alone this Thanksgiving.
As you gather with family and friends around the dinner table for a festive Thanksgiving meal, here at Gift of Life Howie’s House, transplant patients and families we will be doing the same – and giving thanks to you.
To make a tax-deductible year-end gift that will help us serve even more transplant families in their time of need, please click here.
Evan Morgan’s symptoms first cropped up several years ago. A young, multi-sport athlete, he began having foot and ankle pain that later spread to his knees and hips. His pediatrician chalked it up to normal growing pains and Evan played on.
When the symptoms didn’t go away and Evan suffered several broken bones, his parents took him to an orthopedic specialist. The doctor found several stress fractures and a small tendon tear in his right knee, but otherwise a
ll tests came back normal.
“This was a kid who played well and the other coaches would warn their players to keep an eye on him, but as time went on he lost a lot of his usual energy and stamina,” says Jeff Morgan, Evan’s father. “He also wasn’t eating as much and his color was off. Finally, even though his doctors had cleared him to play, one of his coaches came to us and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with him but he’s hurt and shouldn’t be playing.’”
During a scheduled doctor’s visit, Evan’s orthopedic physician recommended that he return to his pediatrician for blood tests. The results of those tests turned the Morgan’s life upside down.
“At the pediatrician’s office, on August 20, 2012, the doctor told us to go home, pack a bag and get to the CHOP [Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia] ER right away,” says Debra, Evan’s mother. “The tests showed that his hemoglobin level was extremely low, which means there wasn’t enough oxygen in his blood.”
At CHOP, Evan was put on oxygen and was given blood transfusions to raise his hemoglobin level. He also underwent more tests.
“I remember them doing an ultrasound and spending a lot of time looking at his kidneys,” says Jeff. “They weren’t saying much.”
A shocking diagnosis was soon made – end-stage renal failure, the cause of which is still a mystery. Due to the advanced stage of his disease, a kidney transplant was deemed the only viable treatment option. He was put on nightly peritoneal dialysis treatments at home, and in November 2012 Even’s name was added to the national registry and his wait began for a new kidney.
“Looking back, the symptoms make sense and we now know that many are indicative of renal disease,” says Jeff. “But, at the time, nobody thought to look at his kidneys. The doctors at CHOP couldn’t believe he was able to keep playing sports through all of this.”
Although on dialysis, life was surprisingly normal for Evan while he waited for a transplant. He went to school, practiced with his soccer team and even played basketball that winter. During this time, his family explored the possibility of a living kidney donation through a series of educational appeal letters, but a match couldn’t be found.
During their wait, the Morgans wanted to continue spending time at their remote cabin in the Endless Mountains. But it had no phone, cell service and internet service so doctors advised against staying there, since transplant candidates have to be reachable at all times in case an organ became available.
“I ended up having a phone put in at the cabin and we gave our new number to the hospital team and our families. On the first night of service I was talking to my dad in Georgia and he said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get good news soon,’” says Jeff. “Later that evening the phone rang and it was the hospital telling us that it may have a kidney for Evan.”
On April 2, 2013, Evan received a new kidney and was discharged two weeks later. Other than an initial bout with rejection, he has done well. By June of that year he was back on the soccer field and today has more energy than ever.
Not long after Evan’s transplant, the Morgans made the decision to become involved with Gift of Life Howie’s House as a way of “giving back.” A group from Jeff’s office participated in the Home Cook Heroes program. The family also decided to launch a campaign to raise $25,000 for the house’s Adopt-a-Family program, which helps support families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to stay at the house. Money is primarily being raised through colleagues, friends and family.
“To assist with the Morgan’s campaign, the Gift of Life Howie’s House is providing them with a number of tools to promote it, including a webpage and donation page,” says Sara Cohen, development manager for the Gift of Life Howie’s House. “This is something new for us and something we can offer to other families, groups or organizations who want to raise funds for the house.”
Complementing the Morgan family’s campaign is a separate effort by Evan to raise money through fundraisers at his school. One of his goals is to raise money to purchase a basketball hoop for the enjoyment of those staying at the House.
“The Gift of Life Howie’s House is an amazing place,” says Debra. “It gives families a warm, comfortable place to stay so they don’t have to live in the hospital. The house is also a great place to meet other families who are in the same situation.”
“When you have a successful transplant you realize how important it is to give back in some way,” adds Jeff. “Our goal is to do as much as we can to support the House and the people who stay there.”
Click here to be directed to the Morgan Family Campaign Page.
For information on how to start your own fundraising campaign, please contact Sara Cohen, Development Manager at scohen@giftoflifefamilyhouse.org or call 267-546-9812.
Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund
The Howie’s House received special visitors on Saturday, June 1st; Bill and Christine Hankee stopped by to donate $1,000 in gas gift cards on behalf of the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund. The donation is from the Memorial’s new initiative Courses that Care, Miles that Matter. Courses that Care, Miles that Matter raises funds through golfing events to provide families traveling for ongoing medical care with gasoline gift cards.
The Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund – from which Courses that Care, Miles that Matter grows — was created in memory of Krysta Hankee, a Lehigh Valley local and daughter of Bill and Christine Hankee. Krysta was a New York University graduate who began working for Triangle Equities of Whitestone, NY after her 2007 graduation. Sadly, Krysta passed away when she was 22 years old. She collapsed in a gym one morning and died five short days later. But, Krysta’s memory continues through her donation. Her organs went on to save five strangers’ lives and her tissue helped others in need of skin and sight. In keeping with Krysta’s compassion and charity, the Memorial Fund helps high school seniors further their education through grant opportunities, promotes the positive impacts of organ and tissue donations and now through a new initiative, distributes gas cards to families traveling for medical treatments.
“Knowing Krysta, we knew at this point in her life, she would be back out in the community volunteering and making a difference. We felt it would only be fitting to honor her memory by addressing a need within the community. A group of volunteers created the Krysta Cares Flight Club to address transportation costs related to ongoing medical care. The flight club has established several ways for the community to get involved to make a difference and help these families in need. We have partnered with Giant Foods and are very pleased by their generosity in helping us provide gas cards to these families in need. In 15 months we have donated over 150,000 miles of driving.” – Bill Hankee
The generous donation of gas cards helps the Howie’s House provide an additional and much-needed service to our guest families. Many guest families travel between their homes and the Howie’s House, so the donated gas cards will help ease some financial burdens they experience stemming from constant travel during their transplant journeys. The Hankee family also presented the Howie’s House with a check for $500. Since the Howie’s House opened its doors to the community the Hankee family has donated over $4,000 to the Adopt-a-Family program fund – program which supports families who cannot pay the nightly fee to stay at the Howie’s House.
The Howie’s House is so grateful for the Hankee family and the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund’s generosity; through them, we can provide our guests with amenities that we currently do not offer. We truly appreciate their continued support and advocacy over the past several years.
News & Events
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive email updates featuring transplant stories of hope and ways you can get involved with the Howie's House.
"*" indicates required fields
