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.

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.

If you can offer a special gift of $250 or more, you’ll also become a cherished member of the Family Circle.

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