We are very lucky to have so many wonderful institutions as neighbors in University Circle. A number of our volunteers are Case Western Reserve University students. Fred, who just completed his first year at CWRU, is interested in studying Statistics and International Studies.

Fred first heard about Transplant House because of his interest in Cleveland’s longstanding medical history and robust hospital systems. As a pre-med student hoping to pursue a medical degree after graduation, Fred was looking for volunteering opportunities related to the medical field. But, as Fred explains, he was also looking for something more than a “typical” volunteer experience.

“I was interested in developing more meaningful connections beyond volunteering,” he explains. “After looking around I found a group of compassionate, diverse, and generous individuals who have come together to create an incredible community that supports patients and their families at different stages of their transplant journeys.”

Fred found just such a community at Transplant House in the staff, fellow volunteers, and the guests he has met here.

“I love meeting and interacting with the people that make up the community at THoC,” Fred says. “From patients and caregivers, to social workers and the leadership team I’m inspired by every conversation. The opportunity to brighten someone’s day or lighten their load motivates me each time I volunteer.”

And though Fred doesn’t have a personal connection to organ transplantation in particular, Fred shares that the fact that his Dad had part of his pancreas removed because of a tumor motivates him to volunteer at Transplant House and has sparked an intense interest in the potential offered by organ transplantation.

When Fred isn’t helping around Transplant House or in class, he can be found advocating for Mistletoe Residential Community – a collection of residence halls for 475 students at CWRU designed to encourage opportunities to learn about themselves and the wider community around them through service and leadership. Fred also enjoys exploring Cleveland’s many historical landmarks and museums as well as playing sports with friends, including badminton, Spikeball, table tennis, and Wii Sports.