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 (CWRU) students. Elijah is a third-year undergraduate Case student double majoring in Nutritional Biochemistry and Evolutionary Biology.

Elijah came to Cleveland all the way from South Carolina to study at CWRU. For him, this is another step on the path to attending medical school and becoming a practicing physician. It was at Case that Elijah learned about Transplant House and, along with his grandfather’s experience as a transplant recipient and his own interest in medicine, decided to volunteer. Elijah was inspired to help by the support the House provides to patients and families in the midst of a unique and difficult journey.

An important part of that support are the weekly dinners and, as “an amateur cook,” Elijah explains, “I enjoy being in the kitchen, but I also like talking to the residents because they have so many wonderful stories to tell.” Though Elijah helps in many ways around the house – from answering phones to helping arriving guests settle in to their new home-away-from-home – community meals are a favorite part of the experience.

When Elijah isn’t volunteering or in the classroom, he enjoys cooking, baking, and reading. On Thursday evenings he hosts his own community meal for his friends as a way for them to catch up with one another while sharing one of Elijah’s home cooked meals. Elijah is also an active volunteer at University Hospitals and serves in mentorship and tutoring roles for his fellow CWRU students.