Gift of Life Family House

Today, we’re highlighting one of our Guest Services Interns, Jada, who has been hard at work putting together new Caregiver Care Packages. These care bags will be handed to all of the caregivers and patients that check into the Family House. The idea for these care packages started when Jada was serving as the primary caregiver for her grandmother, who sadly passed away last year. Although my grandmother was not a transplant patient, I believe I was able to empathize wit...h the families (patient and caregiver alike) and what they may have been going through. This experience moved me to want to create a resource that could encourage families in their transplant process if even just a little. The care packages include an adult coloring book, a pack of colored pencils, a wristband, a stress ball, a healthy snack, an encouraging quote, and resources for transplant caregivers flyer. We are so excited about providing this special gift to families! Help say thanks to Jada for all of her hard work and thoughtfulness by leaving a comment down below!

In honor of Mother’s Day, 11 year old London of Lovely London Delights delivered one of her signature cakes to Marlene, a mom that is currently staying with us at the Family House! Many of you might remember London, a young entrepreneur who started her own baking business and donated part of her proceeds to the Family House! London’s business began when she baked cakes to give out on Mother’s Day last year during the pandemic, and people immediately started asking her for more. Almost a year later her delicious cakes are still a hit and London is out spreading smiles wherever she goes!

Today is Donate Life Flag Raising Day as a part of Donate Life America's first annual Blue Green Spirit Week! Our Donate Life Flag is always flying at the Family House to show that we honor those who have given the gift of life through organ donation today and everyday. Register to be an organ donor here: http://bit.ly/goldonor. #DonateLifeMonth #GiftofLife

It’s National Hug Your Dog Day! As some of you may know, our Caregiver Lifeline Program will invite therapy dogs to come in and spend time with our guests. Although we are still not able to invite them back quite yet, we thought what better day than today to reminisce on some of our favorite therapy dog moments! What furry friend are you going to hug today? Share a pic in the comments below!

Happy first night of Hanukkah from all of us at the Family House! We hope that this season brings you and your family peace, joy, and warmth in honor of the Festival of Lights!

Holiday Heartman is back! Every year, Holiday Heartman (our version of Elf on the Shelf) comes back from the North Pole to spread some holiday cheer to transplant families at Gift of Life Family House. After quarantining and testing negative, Holiday Heartman is now back and ready for the holiday season! Check out what he has been up to and be sure to follow along throughout the month to see what other adventures he goes on around the Family House!

The Family House is the next best thing to being at home, it makes a very difficult time a little easier. In reality, that’s all we can ask for," said Sarah, mom of Zach, a heart transplant recipient. Sarah and Sean Reesey stayed at the Family House both before and after the pandemic while waiting for a heart transplant for their young son, Zach. Zach received his heart transplant back in July, and has endless energy ever since. The generosity of our community makes it possi...ble for us to provide families like Zach’s with affordable lodging, meals, counseling and educational programs, access to transportation, and, most importantly, a place to call home when they are far from their own homes. You can help transplant families grow stronger together this holiday season by making a gift today. Click here to make a donation:https://bit.ly/growingstrongerFH

Today is International Volunteer Day! Although volunteering has looked a little different recently, we are still so grateful for everything our volunteers do for the Family House and for our transplant families, especially during the pandemic. From dropping off food, making donations, and buying pantry items, our volunteers have remained dedicated to supporting transplant families throughout this difficult time. Thank you to all of our volunteers, we miss you and we can’t wa...it to have you back at the house! Be sure to help us show our appreciation for all our volunteers in the comments below! #InternationalVolunteerDay