Melissa and Christopher Hess came to Philadelphia, they were full of uncertainty, fear, but also hope. The couple have known that their son Aiden would need a kidney transplant since he was a young boy. At age 20, doctors confirmed that Aiden would need to start the process of getting listed, however the waitlist for a kidney in this region was five to seven years, so the family set on the path of finding a living donor.
Despite finding many generous individuals willing to get tested and even a potential match, Aiden’s gift of life eventually came as a surprise from an anonymous donor.
Aiden received his gift of life in May of 2025 at Temple University Hospital, and his family needed a place to stay while he underwent his procedure and recovery. The family turned to Gift of Life Howie’s House, and our facility left a lasting impression. Below is a heartfelt review from Aiden’s father, Christopher, detailing the care, compassion, and relief he felt during his stay:
“When you or a loved one is going through the unimaginable journey of organ transplantation, finding comfort, peace, and support is more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline. For our family, Gift of Life Howie’s House in Philadelphia was not just a place to stay; it was a sanctuary in one of the most challenging seasons of our lives.
Their empathy is sincere, their smiles are genuine, and their hearts are wholly committed to easing the journey for both patients and caregivers.
From the moment we arrived, we were embraced with compassion. The staff and volunteers don’t just run a facility—they create a true home. They understand the unique emotional, physical, and financial burdens that transplant families face because they’ve walked alongside so many others before us.
The rooms are immaculately clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed to offer rest and privacy. Unlike cold hospital waiting areas or expensive hotels, Howie’s House offers a warm, welcoming environment that helps ease anxiety and bring peace to weary bodies and minds.
Communal areas like the kitchen and dining room are modern, spacious, and filled with the laughter and support of other families walking similar paths. The home-cooked meals provided through their Home Cook Heroes program were a blessing. Volunteers who gave their time to prepare and serve food nourished us not only physically, but emotionally—with kindness that reminded us we weren’t alone.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Howie’s House is the comprehensive family support system they’ve built. From transportation services to and from local hospitals to the emotional and mental health resources they provide, they take care of everything—big and small—so you can focus on what truly matters: healing and supporting your loved one.
The on-site social workers and staff were always ready to help with guidance on transplant-related issues, insurance questions, or just to lend a listening ear. And meeting other families on similar journeys created a bond and a built-in support network that continues to this day.
Gift of Life Howie’s House is more than a building—it’s a beacon of hope. It’s where fear turns to faith, where strangers become friends, and where compassion lives in every corner. The love, dignity, and support offered here leave a lasting impact on every guest who walks through their doors.
What sets Gift of Life Howie’s House apart is their commitment to affordability and dignity. They never let financial stress become another hurdle for families already coping with so much. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the incredible leadership behind this organization, they are able to offer lodging and meals at a cost that is a mere fraction of what you’d find anywhere else in the city.
It’s hard to overstate the relief this brought our family. In a time of uncertainty, it was one less thing to worry about—and in many ways, one of the greatest gifts we received during our transplant journey.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Gift of Life Howie’s House. You gave us more than a place to stay—you gave us strength.”
Aiden is still doing great and even got to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Transplant Appreciation Night at the Phillies last year! Thank you to the entire Hess family for sharing your experience and story to other transplant families.