Gratitude was abundant today, as Transplant House guests and staff visited Lifebanc offices to receive a check in the amount of $10,000 from CEO, Gordon Bowen. The check fulfilled the second part of a five-year commitment made by Lifebanc-to match donations to Transplant House that come from new donors, up to $10,000 per year. This year’s new donors who helped us meet the challenge included an anonymous couple who gave $5,000 in honor of Dr. Charles Miller. The other $5,000 came from a small group of new donors who gave in honor of Brian Vitale-liver transplant recipient (who is actively working toward fulfillment of his own $100,000 pledge to Transplant House).

Transplant House guests, Marilyn and Bob Van Niel, of Rochester, New York, eagerly joined in the Lifebanc visit, sincere in their desire to understand more about the role of the organ procurement organization and its diverse staff of professionals. Marilyn received an organ transplant in March of this year. In addition to her deep thankfulness for that incredible gift, Marilyn explained to Gordon her gratitude and respect for her husband and caregiver, Bob. The Van Niels have been at Transplant House since March and have become instrumental in ensuring that all House families feel the greatest benefit of the home-away-from-home:  community support.

(Photos include Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO and Transplant House board member, Marie Luciano, Transplant House Summer Intern, Elaine Turley, Transplant House Executive Director, and Marilyn and Bob Van Niel, Transplant House guests)