gift of life
A TRIBUTE TO ED POMPEIAN
This year, 2019, will forever be marked by two milestones – the celebration of our 35th Anniversary and the passing of our beloved founder, Ed Pompeian. Ed passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. While his passing leaves a void in our hearts, his inspirational and visionary leadership have provided a clearly marked pathway for the generations to come. I would like to share an excerpt from a letter Ed prepared as part of our development program: “35 years ago, my vision of a transplant house that would provide a “home away from home” became a reality! Gift of Life Transplant House is now a campus with two facilities that
accommodates 168 guests and their caregivers as they experience their own transplant journey. On a daily basis, guests express their appreciation for Gift of Life Transplant House, their gratitude for “2nd birthdays” and their joy in living each day to the fullest! And there is one other attitude that is prevalent – a thoughtful reflection on the legacy they will leave.
I will admit that 35 years ago I was focused on raising a family, building a business and creating a home-like, supportive environment for transplant patients and their caregivers. As I have moved into semi-retirement, however, I realize that my legacy will be woven into the lives of those who have stayed at Gift of Life
Transplant House over the last 35 years. I am humbled and comforted by the fact that the mission of Gift of Life Transplant House will continue long after I say goodbye.”
• He possessed an Unswerving Confidence in God. In his book, The Gift of Life, Ed writes, “I knew God was watching over me my entire life.”
• He possessed Resilience and Patience. A more enduring example of patience
him to create Gift of Life Transplant House; it was his keen business sense and his understanding that God and family came first that allowed him to make his dream a reality.
Ed’s life embodies seven leadership principles that I hope will inspire us each day of our lives.
• He possessed a Passion for the Project. Gift of Life Transplant House was Ed’s passion and he made it part of his life, his family’s life and the community’s life.
• He possessed an Ability to Motivate Others. Ed’s genuine love of people, his single-minded focus and his belief in community formed an irresistible appeal.
and resilience would be difficult to find. Through the medical challenges he faced; through the challenges of
“Ed’s legacy was a life well lived.”
making his vision a reality, Ed retained a joyful and optimistic outlook on life!
• He possessed a Practical, Balanced Grip on Reality It was Ed’s passion that led
• He possessed a Willingness to Work Hard and Remain Unselfish. “Through it all – the desperate sickness, the recovery, and then change in school – I never lost my love of learning. I’d always clung to the hope that one day I’d be well enough to return to school, make friends and live as normal a life as possible, despite my delicate health. In the end I didn’t just complete high school – I was blessed to be able to graduate with honors.” Ed was inducted into the National Honor Society. This is just one example of the amazing courage and willingness Ed had to work hard!
• Ed possessed the Discipline to Finish the Job. Not only did Ed finish, but he finished well.
Ed’s legacy was a life well lived. His enthusiasm for life, his unwavering commitment to his family and his friends, his sterling character, and his visionary leadership made him a remarkable man and we are honored that he shared his life with us.
Ed Pompeian with his family in early July of 2019.
LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT, JOE FORRER
Dear Friends,
As we enter into another beautiful Minnesota fall, I can’t help but think about how each year that passes we can depend on two things in lifechange and hope. These changes come in many forms and not always according to our plan. But it’s the hope that guides us through our opportunities and challenges. Change this year came in the form of the gain and the loss of friends and family; welcoming new members to the board and staff and saying goodbye to others; not to mention several challenges to maintaining buildings and systems.
Once again in May we had a changing of the guard on the board. Bob Groettum, Kathy Jensen, and Sheila Nelson have all retired from their board service and continue to serve the house in other capacities. Bob will still be the Chair of the Golf Committee, Sheila will continue to serve on the HR Committee and Kathy is still serving on the PR Committee. We also welcomed new members Dr. Andrew Bentall, Tina Bro, Matt Christensen, and Adrienne Pompeian.
As I mentioned earlier, change is not always according to our plans. Our founder Ed Pompeian’s passing is no doubt one of the more difficult hurdles we will face. But this is where the message of hope comes. It is this gift of hope that started a long time ago from a seemingly frail man. As was reflected during his trifecta eulogy, although he may not have been Samson in his physical presence, he was a giant when it came to dishing
out raw determination, encouragement, and hope. Ed had a way to add clarity when there was confusion and he had a special talent to see things that others overlooked. He will be missed, but I can assure you his legacy and vision are in solid hands with the combined leadership of the board and executive director and a committed staff.
Management of the many buildings and systems also comes with its challenges. We have had to replace and repair several mechanical systems; replace mattresses; replace flooring; and remove one of our iconic oak trees. As much of this work can appear to be a daunting task we are so blessed to have the support of so many individuals and companies in our community.
In closing, I can’t thank our dedicated staff enough for their efforts not only with their daily duties, but also going above and beyond by contributing their time and talents to make every one of our fundraising events a success. I would also like to express my gratitude to all of the volunteers that have donated their time and talent. And as always, I am amazed and humbled with the willingness and level of support from so many in our community. We could not achieve our mission without you!
Sincerely,
Joe Forrer Board President
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE WISH LIST
◊ $30 for a guest room night
◊ Regular & Decaffeinated Coffee
◊ Wrapped Candy
◊ Gift Cards to Wal-Mart, Target, or Hy-Vee
◊ Forever Postage Stamps
◊ Gallon Ziploc Bags
◊ Napkins
◊ Paper Towels
◊ Facial Tissues
◊ Toilet Paper
◊ Scrubbing Bubbles
◊ Soft Scrub
◊ Toilet Bowl Cleaner
◊ Tupperware
◊ Storage Containers
◊ New Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
Find our Amazon Wish List and links to items on our Website.
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION!
Gift of Life Transplant House has had the privilege of providing affordable, high quality accommodations to transplant patients and their caregivers in a supportive, home-like environment for 35 years! During that time, thousands of guests have found a ‘home away from home’ during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Sadly, last year, 415 guests were unable to stay at Gift of Life Transplant House due to lack of available rooms. As of the writing of this newsletter, already 365 guests have experienced the same disappointment in 2019.
The strong leadership of our Board of Directors recognized that this trend would continue and the impact of Gift of Life Transplant House would be diminished without an expansion. A selected group of board members, guests and staff met with our architect to develop a design that would fulfill our standards of high quality and desire to meet the needs of our guests.
The new addition will expand our Anne and Henry Zarrow Home (724) and will feature 28 additional guest rooms, an additional kitchen and pantries, expanded dining room, additional common areas, a guest laundry on the 2nd floor, an additional tub room, additional family room, additional
elevator and underground or enclosed parking for each guest room! In addition, the foyer will be redesigned to create a more welcoming environment as guests enter the building. The expansion will allow us to provide lodging for an additional 1,400 guests annually.
Our expansion was announced at our 5th Annual Gala on September 20th and met with resounding enthusiasm! Our Special Appeal for the evening launched the start of our Capital Campaign – A Home Built By Love: Growing to Meet the Need. During the Special Appeal we raised over $25,000 with an additional $20,000 promised by Trails4Transplants. The budget for our expansion will be $7.5 million and it is the desire of the board to raise all funds prior to beginning the expansion so that a mortgage is not necessary.
Since its beginning in 1984, Gift of Life Transplant House has expanded 3 times – once in 1995, once in 2000 and once in 2009. We are so pleased to announce this fourth expansion during our 35th Anniversary! Prior to Ed Pompeian’s passing, he gave his blessing and approval and we are confident that his vision will continue to grow and flourish in the coming years!
Artist Renderings prepared by CRW architecture + design group.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Naming opportunities will also be offered as part of the Capital Campaign. These are listed below:
Furnishings for each Guest Room 28 rooms @ $6,000/room $182,000 Furnishings for the Common Areas
Level Parking Garage
2nd Floor Wing with Common Areas
3rd Floor Wing with Guest Laundry
SEPTEMBER TRIBUTES
The names to follow have shared the legacy of hope and renewed life. Tributes not only honor donors, recipients, and loved ones, but assist in continuing to provide “a home that helps and heals” to more than 4,100 guests and caregivers each year.
The recipient is listed in italic and benefactor is listed in bold. We are thankful for everyone who took part in this special tribute opportunity.
MEMORIALS
Alice King-Moormann
Michael Moormann
Allen and Ann Watanabe
Kevin Dotson, Linda Vilmo, George Howard
Ann Heinzler
Neale Sowers, Sr. Jane Gregoire, Sr. Margeen Hoffmann
Annette Jopp
Jay McCoy
Bernard Thill
Donna and Leila Thill
Bernie Pagenkopf
Herman and Margaret Michels
Beverly Nagurski
Bronko Nagurski
Bonnie Fisher
Husband, Charles L. Fisher, heart
transplant 7/17/2002
Brian and Vicki Aegerter
Lynne Zimmerman
Carl and Jaquelyn Erwin
Donna Iverson
Carol Ellerbusch
Stephen Ellerbusch
Charlene Fieger
Chris Fieger
Charles and Delores Menk
Sr. Margeen Hoffmann
Cheryl Jones
Kevin Dotson
Christine Buetow
My heart donor, Tammy Gangestad
Constance S. Valente
Geno Stuart Valente
Curt and Susan Seehusen
Kevin Killian
Curtis Thering
Sue Thering
Dale and Darlene Hofbauer
Randall Dale Hofbauer
Dale and Sharon Latterell
Steve Isaacson
Darlene Mayer
John H. Mayer
Darwin Freese
Richard Rieken
Dave and Michelle Burke
Mary Brent
Denise Bosse
Rhonda K. Huber
Diane Fraser
Al Fraser
Douglas and Cindy Barry
Robert and Mary Rowland
Eleanore Paschke
Wesley Paschke
Ervin Broker
Sandy Broker
F & M Community Bank
Ed Pompeian
Gary and Karen Hahn
Randi Merfeld
Ginger and David Holmes
John Allen, Bob Manly, Kevin Dotson, Linda Vilmo
Glen Kulkay
Donor
Greg and Kim Wiseman
Ed Pompeian
Herman and Karen Brames
Sr. Margeen, Sr. Jane
Howard Richards
Elda Jean Richards
Ione Barron
My husband, Dennis Barron
James and Barbara Weixel
Jean Wulf
James Anderson
Bonita Anderson
Jan and Bill Hanson
Linda Vilmo
Janet Beuthin
Kenneth Beuthin
Jean Moxon
Greg Moxon
Jean Walsh
Kevin Walsh
Jeff and Sandra Larson
Anna Putzier
Jeffrey and Sharon Raboin
Gail Craycroft
Jim and Amy Degnim
Paul Degnim Jr.
JoAnn Schaffer
Richard R. Schaffer
JoAnn Volker
Russell, Rebecca, Carol Ann
Dunford, Jacob Volker, Lucas Volker, Betty Volker
Johanna Vander Steen
George Vander Steen
John and Jane Goehler
Jack Washow
John Fenlon
Sharon Fenlon
Judd and Jeanne Watson
Steven Siegle
Judi Tranberg
David Tranberg
Judith and Richard Koperski
Our son, Steven Siegle
Judith Phillips
My husband, Jerry W. Phillips
Julie Svoboda
Steve Brosnan
Karen Kehrli
Wayne R. Kehrli
Karl and Lynn Ladin
Joyce Baumler
Kathleen Cates
James E. Bliler
Kenneth and Pammy Smith
Marion Smith
Kenneth Magnuson
Dwane Egan, Mrs. Mann, Allen
Nilson, Laretta Haney
Lenny and Eileen McNab
Sr. Margeen Hoffmann, Rose
Mary Kral
Leo Cornelius
Mary Ellen Cornelius
Linda Miller
Allen Eric Miller
Linda Skosey
George A. Skosey
Loren (Al) M. Fering
Martha Fering
Mary Wilder
My dad
Marlene Everett-James
Cynthia Lee Adams
Marlene Plantenberg
Mike Plantenberg
Merle and Penny Lohse
Jeanne Adoree Vreyens
Michael and Eileen Pearlman
Sandi Pearlman
Michael and Sharon Hickman
Katie Hickman
Michael B. and Roberta Marcinkus
Carole Marcinkus
Murphy Property Management II
Curtis Evans
Nancy Killian
Kevin Killian
Nick Pompeian
Ed Pompeian
Orin Herfindal
Linda Vilmo
Paula Babb
Curtis W. Babb, loving husband and father
Paulette Bangura
Husband, Amadu P. Bangura
Philip Wineland
Jean Ann Wineland
Rayma Brown
Howard (Bud) Brown
Renner Family
Steve Wilczak
Rick Langbecker
Karen Langbecker
Robert and Lynn Van Maaren
Jan Lewis
Roger and Dianna Gwiazdzienski
Ronald Liggett
Roger Erickson
Henry C. Anderson
Russell Carroll
Janis Miller
Ryan and Cynthis Thompson
Richard Hummel
Shanon and Elaine Polsfut
Nancy Moen
Sharon Binek
Husband, Paul Binek
Shirley Hardcastle
Jack W. Hardcastle
Shirley Hulstein
Mary Ahlers
Shirley Schacherer
Louis Schacherer, Tom Jenewei
Sr. Rogene Fox
Sr. Margeen Hoffmann
Sue Milner
Louie Schacherer
Therese Jacobson
Sue Sands
Thomas Erpelding
Connie Erpelding
Vanguard Charitable
Steve Wilczak
Wendell and Mary Smith
Margaret Smith Askew
Wes and Judy Butler
Curt Babb
Willard and Linda Latham Fund
Willard Latham
William and Katherine Hamlin
Al Krech
William and Pamela Link
Robert Manly
William and Rhonda Weber
Ed Pompeian
“It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.”
SEPTEMBER TRIBUTES
TRIBUTES
Allan and Margaret Otto
Allan Otto
Ami Rosen
My kidney donors: Judi Dark, Beth Ochsner
Ann Lloyd
Bob Mamer, kidney recipient 20 years!
Annettee Lee
Tribute Month
Becky Knudson
Noah Knudson, 2-year kidney recipient
Bettie Marso
LeAnn Caulfield
Carol Allen
My transplant and unknown donor
Carol Hughes
Kathleen Allison
Craig Colledge
Jill Colledge
Dale and Bonnie Husman
Jeanine Aspen
Daniel and Diane Pischke
Dan’s 9-year post heart transplant
Darla Kimmes
Art Luedtke
Debbie Evans
Steven Evans
Delores Weishaupt
Don Schmidgall
Diane Hall
Colin J. Hall, liver transplant
Eli and Susan Churchwell, Jr.
Eli’s kidney transplant
Eric and Sheri Frodesen
Ian Frodesen
Eugene Martin
My donor, Terry Lynn Shaffer
Gary and Judy Whiteman
2 years post transplant
Greg Vilmo
Cindy Howson, Bennie Allen, Nanette Adler, Dianna Dotson
Helga Johnson
Chad Corey
James and Lisa Strok
Jake Strok
James and Mary Wyffels
Wendy Oftedahl
James Quam
Jean Kohut
Jan and Bill Hanson
Greg Vilmo
Jana White
Becky McGuire
Jay and Diane Gatzlaff
Jerry and Wyatt Wade
Jean MacDonald
Michael Scheuerman
Jeff Borgmeier
Neil Trygestad
John and Linda Cope
Laurie Edgerton
John and Sandy Agrimson
John A. Agrimson
Joleen Nowak
Roger (Rocky) Lambert
Julianne Vasichek
My donor
Keith Bobay
Lynn Bobay
Kerry and Sandra Johnson
Many thanks for your facility for being there for me and others
Larry and Linda Rathmann
Linda Rathmann
Leo and Heidi Hollenbeck
Michael Dettling
Lynn Kruse
Son and donor, Steven McCluskey
Marilyn Schorr
Marilyn K. Schorr
Mark and Michele Evans
To all who have given life
Mary Baker
Fran Gibbons
Mary Konetski
Susan Lam
Matt and Lynette Meister
My donor, Dawn Wagner
Mike and Deb Platt
Deb Platt
Mike and Teresa McCormack
Julianne Vasichek
Murphy Property Management II
Chris Evans
Nick Pompeian
Aaron Pompeian
Patrick and Joan Lynch
Gift of Life - Thank you for all you do
Paul and Martha Murray
Tom and Jan Acquaviva
Paul and Pam Helgeson
Corn Helgeson-Selman on her birthday
Richard Hoen
Richard Hoen
Robert Rowbal
Alan Rowbal
Roger and Ann Bird
Ann Bird
Roger Erickson
Lori Lange
Ron and Deb Sack
Pam Hastings
Roy Hallsey
Gift of Life Transplant House staff
Ryan and Cynthia Thompson
Mary Ann Leingang
Sandy Hardesty
Glenn C. Hardesty
Scott and Betty Rockendorf
Mary Ann Hein
Sheila Nelson
Korbin Johnson, Bill Adams, Sara Rose
Ted and Linda William
Linda Williams
Thomas and Marlene Rudolphi
Tom Rudolphi
Zion United Methodist Church
Glenn C. Hardesty
CONTRIBUTIONS
Alfred B. Howe
Ben and Sandy Kaplan
Beth Montgomery
Charles Long
Cheryl Day
David and Mariella Dingli
Dean and Mavis Brunsvold
Dean and Tammie Jablonsky
Dease and John Charais
Deb Schulzetenberge
Debbie Hamrick
Dennis and LeAnn Olhausen
Diana and Tim Logan
Eugene and Lorraine Gilligan
Francis McMann
Frank and Betsy Tocha
Frank and Betty Moon
Frank and Joyce Harvey
Frank Stubbs and Tom Lee
Fred Knogh
Gary and Jean Anderson
Gary and Susan Bouska
Gray and Patricia Webber
Greg and Susan Hurlebaus
Jacqueline Michehl
James and Becky Hernesman
James and Helen Murray
James and Susan Schmitt
Jerome and Bernice Bisek
Joan McCormick
Joe and Sheri Johansson
Jolynn Bloomingdale
Judith Meixner
Judy and Joel Kepnes
Julie Grunwald
Kaiyu Chen and Hui Tzu Chang
Kari and Mark Huseth
Kevin Peterson
Kristin Musselman
Kyle and M. Cathy Fraser
Laurie Rogers-Hartl
Linda and Vernon Bottorff
Lois Garrison
Lori Smith
Mark and Jodie Reith
Martin Davis
Mary Anne Adams
Michael and Jean Wojciechowski
Michelle Murphy
Milton (Doug) and Sheri Carder
Otto Bennink
Patrick and Karla Grennan
Patrick Cline
Peggy J. Levan
Phil and Mary Lou McCleary
Richard Audette
Robert and Bonita Harle
Roger and Amy Lowe
Roger and Ginny Beadle
Roman and Arlene Blonigen
Ron and Mary Welk
Ronald and Joanne Heise
Ronald Whitbeck
Russell Freerking
Sally Flowers
Sandra Hart
Thomas M. McFarland
Tom Roggow
Tony Montgomery Realty & Auction Co.
Wesley Christensen
William Lehman
“Every day I pray for the person who made the choice to be an organ donor. I pray for the family that honored the donor’s wish. And every day I honor his or her memory by trying to remain a healthy person.”
-Gift of Life Transplant House Guest
WHAT’S NEW?
Trails4Transplants Tribute Deck
Last year at our Gala of the Decades: the 1880s, Trails4Transplants presented Gift of Life Transplant House with a check for $108,941 –the accumulation of 3 years of donations raised by the organization.
Each year Trails4Transplants conducts a 14-day horseback ride to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation. They also raise funds which the organization has generously donated to Gift of Life Transplant House.
The funds were used to construct a two-tiered deck on the east side of the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home. The deck will provide an additional restful spot for guests
and caregivers to enjoy the day, do some grilling and visit. The front porch still features our classic rocking chairs, but we decided to put individual gliders on the deck. Two tables provide seating areas for a card game or a little dinner. Electrical boxes allow guests to charge phones and tablets while on the deck. The deck also features solar powered built-in lighting which gives a lovely glow in the evening. The deck is wheelchair/ walker accessible from the sun room door as well as outside via a lovely paved sidewalk that leads to it.
We are so grateful to Trails4Transplants for this amazing donation!
Granite Memorial Quilt
Jan Lewis loved to quilt! Ask her husband, Justin, about her hobby and he will show you pictures of the dozens of quilts she made over her lifetime. Jan and Justin spent two years at Gift of Life Transplant House before she received a lung transplant in 2012 and then spent the next year at Gift of Life Transplant House as she recovered. One of her quilts hangs by the kitchen in the Anne and Henry Zarrow Home today!
When Jan passed, Justin wanted to do something that would be a lasting tribute to his wife and honor Gift of Life Transplant House. Inspired by Jan’s love of quilting, Justin has designed the Granite Gift of Life Memorial Quilt. The structure is made of a concrete base that will hold granite “quilt squares” that can be engraved in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Information for purchasing and engraving a quilt square is available on our website. Justin added colored flowers from Jan’s Gift of Life quilt to the granite memorial quilt design and engraved hummingbirds hand-drawn by her grandchildren.
The Granite Gift of Life Memorial Quilt will be located in the garden at the Anne & Henry Zarrow Home.
To purchase a “quilt square”, go to www.gift-oflife.org or call 507-535-1015.
House Happenings
FACILITIES OPERATIONS
THE NEW DECK on the east side of the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home is complete. We are grateful to Trails4Transplants for providing the generous donation that allowed us to construct the deck and furnish it with new patio furniture.
One of the 150 YEAR OLD OAK TREES FELL at the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home in August, but we are pleased that a generous donation from Carlson Capital Management allowed the tree to be replaced with an 18’ Red Oak. The new tree has been placed in memory of Ed Pompeian.
OUR NEW WEBSITE, courtesy of CWS Cares, is now in beta testing and we hope will launch in the next two weeks!
An IT GRANT has been awarded to Gift of Life Transplant House that will allow us to upgrade our phone system, expand internet connectivity for our guests and upgrade our infrastructure.
100 days is Christmas Day!
Rowann Larson wasn’t counting shopping days ‘til Christmas when she boldly announced, “100 days is Christmas Day”! Rowann is looking ahead to a significant milestone in her stem cell transplant journey. 100 days will mark the turning point in her recovery – the date when the greatest risk for critical side effects is past and when the stem cells have engrafted and begun making new blood cells and she intends to celebrate!
Rowann’s journey began last summer (2018). She began losing weight and just wasn’t feeling herself. At the insistence of her daughter and husband, she went to the emergency room and after many months of testing, received the diagnosis of NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma. Treatment brought the cancer into remission, but at her 3-month check-up, she discovered the cancer was back and particularly aggressive. Her doctor suggested she come to Mayo Clinic and she and her husband, Ron, made the trip from North Dakota to Rochester to begin her pre-evaluation for a stem cell transplant. She was a bit concerned, since she just celebrated her 71st birthday in June and didn’t know if she would be approved for a stem cell transplant. However, the good news came that she was approved!
Her husband, Ron, worked in commercial construction as a construction superintendent until his retirement in 2007.
“Everyone is so kind and compassionate, even our shuttle driver, Rhonda”
Rowann has had a busy and full life! While raising their children, she also worked at various positions, including working as a beautician, as a quality inspector for American Crystal Sugar, both in the lab and in the office, and finally at the University of North Dakota in their HR Department. She retired in 2015.
Rowann had her stem cell transplant on September 17, 2019 and felt fine until she reached Day 7. (Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant patients count the day of their transplant as Day 0.) On Day 7, Rowann reached a low point in her recovery and was hospitalized so her doctors could monitor her progress. After three weeks, Rowann was discharged and although still quite weak, she is looking forward to heading back to North Dakota!
“Gift of Life Transplant House has been great”, Ron comments. “We met some great friends that we will have for a lifetime. We didn’t want to stay in a hotel, and we can’t imagine staying anywhere else.” “Everyone is so kind and compassionate, even our shuttle driver, Rhonda”, Rowann says with a smile on her face. “And Ron has been a wonderful caregiver, not just to me, but to the other guests and caregivers. He was always ready to help whoever needed help.”
So when you are celebrating Christmas this year with family and friends, remember Rowann and her special milestone – a celebration of recovery!
2019 has been filled with generosity, celebrations, loss, & future plans. We continue to celebrate 35 years of hope & healing.
Thank you to our Corporate Partners for making this year a success!
LEGACY: WEIS BUILDERS MAYO SPECIALTY
PHARMACY FRIEND: BRENTWOOD ONB BANK MINNWEST BANK ENRICHING: ALTRA FEDERAL
Clash of the Chefs, A Food Fight Judges tasting the chefs’ prepared dish.
A fundraiser for Gift of Life Transplant House hosted and organized by Thesis Beer Project.
There’s No Place Like Home, An Emerald Affair
There’s No Place Like Home, An Emerald Affair
35th Annual Gift of Life Golf Tournament
Guests enjoying the 2019 BBQ hosted by the Pompeian Family.
35th Annual Gift of Life Golf Tournament
Counselor Realty Serving Dinner at the Ed and Jayne Pompeian Home.
Chefs and judges at the Clash of the Chefs, A Food Fight.
Gift of Life Transplant House guests at the Annual Transplant Patient and Family Picnic.
Clash of the Chefs, A Food Fight
Donations received from The Road Trip Rally team.
TerraLoco donating a check to Gift of Life Transplant House for the Gift of Life 5K.
Gift of Life Walk & Run hosted by TerraLoco. Pictured is Team Dan completing the run.
“For the Good & Thirsty”
On a mission to make his passion for brewing beer more than another brew spot in Rochester, Adam Frederickson decided he was going to open a brewery that not only provided an immersive experience for customers but would also give back to the Rochester community. “For the Good & Thirsty” became the tagline for the newest brewery in Rochester, Thesis Beer Project. His determination to give back to the community led him to Gift of Life Transplant House.
Adam holds Gift of Life Transplant House close to his heart. His mother stayed with us during her
A Fallen Tree
We never thought it would happen! The two, much-loved majestic oak trees on either side of the front walk at the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home were as much a landmark as the front door of the house, so it was devastating when the call came on Sunday, August 29th at 7:29pm that one of the trees had fallen! With a deafening crash, a portion of the tree fell into 2nd St. SW! Not a cloud in the sky, no storms, no wind – it had just fallen. Fortunately, at that moment, there were no pedestrians, parked cars or traffic on the street. Val, our night manager, contacted Steve Tarara, our Operations Manager, myself and my husband, and we worked to clear 2nd Street until the City of Rochester could finish the work.
What we discovered was the tree was growing with two forks and that over time, the root system has decayed. Outwardly the tree looked strong and healthy, but the moment when it would come down was imminent. The tree was at least 150 years
stem cell transplant and his aunt is a guest of the house as well. Because of these ties, he wanted Gift of Life Transplant House to be the first organization to benefit from the “For the Good & Thirsty” campaign.
On Wednesday, October 2, The Mosaic Pale Ale was released! That night, all proceeds were donated to Gift of Life Transplant House. To catch as many beer lovers as possible, and make the biggest impact, the event doesn’t stop there. For the following 3 months (thru January 2), $1 for every pint of the Mosaic Pale Ale will also be donated. Not only does Thesis Beer
old and was here before the house was built. It even survived the 1883 F5 tornado that blew through Rochester!
It was just two months earlier that we had said goodbye to Ed Pompeian and it could be said that another mighty oak had fallen, but with one major difference. Like the tree, Ed had survived many challenges in his life! Like the tree, Ed brought joy, encouragement and inspiration to many. Like the tree, the beauty of his personality brought a smile; his courage and strength gave confidence; his reputation was a hallmark in Rochester. But where the tree grew in two opposite directions, Ed’s vision for Gift of Life Transplant House was “laserfocused” and unwavering. And that focus allowed him to grow roots that remain strong, deep and stable today and because of it, Gift of Life Transplant House is wellpositioned to weather any of the challenges it will face in the future
Project plan to donate financially, but they will donate a few volunteer hours to the house each month.
Adam’s plan is to sponsor another non-profit in the Rochester community every three months. The generosity, passion and desire to not only bring the community together, but also give back is inspiring.
If you are interested in checking out Thesis Beer Project, find them at their website:
https://thesis.beer
PACK ONLY THE ESSENTIALS
I was only five years old as I paced around the room of the Adoption Agency in the Social Services Office, St. Paul, Minnesota. Anxiously waiting to meet my new parents. My tiny worn brown suitcase was packed with only the essentials, two outfits and my doll. That’s all I needed, I would soon become a daughter to a loving couple from Randall, Minnesota. My straight freshly cut auburn hair bounced around my small freckled face as my eyes glistened with joy. I was the luckiest little brown eyed girl on the face of the earth. I’d soon have everything I ever wanted, a family.
I did not have any living grandparents to share time with so when our daughter, Jackie, was little, it was a joy seeing her pack her suitcase with all the essentials, including books and playing cards in anticipation of spending time with her doting Grandma Johnson who lived 50 miles away on a 120 acre farm. Jackie loved spending the weekend with her “best friend” as they walked to the barn to play with the kittens, checked out Grandma’s beautiful flower garden, sat in the big red metal lawn chairs, enjoyed Grandma’s best fried chicken, and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. What a blessing! What a gift! Jackie and Jeff married and blessed us with two awesome grandchildren, Katelyn and Erik. We loved having these two little munchkins spend time with us individually and together. They would pack their little suitcases with all the essentials including teddy bears, stuffed animals, books, and their favorite card games. Excitement would abound as we would build forts and tents over the dining room table and chairs. Sleeping bags, pillows, books, flashlights
and chocolate chip cookies completed the camping excursion. We had all the essentials.
I had the privilege of being a travel Tour Director for sixteen years and loved every trip. As I prepared for each trip I’d begin by planning my wardrobe. I had a check list to ensure I’d pack everything I needed. Depending on the season and weather, layers and coordinating outfits were always good words. One suitcase and one carry-on seemed sufficient. I had all the essentials.
As I watched folks arrive at the motor coach some unloaded huge suitcases. As the days went by we all realized they had a complete new outfit, including matching shoes, for every day. Their suitcases were heavy! I had one lady call me at 3:30 a.m. to ask if what she had laid out for that day would be appropriate! At that hour in the morning I replied, “It sounds perfect!”
As in every day life, we need to “pack” the essentials. Worldly possessions are wonderful because God has gifted each and every one of us with all that we need. To love one another, help one another, be a friend. Everyone carries extra baggage. Some baggage really hurts. Sometimes all that is needed is a kind word, a helping hand, a hug, a prayer.
At this stage of life my focus is on “rest and be glad” for all my earthly possessions. But most of all, be glad that I know God and can put my faith in His hands because he knows I have all that I need. He is my Keeper.
I have packed all the essentials!
-Annette Jopp, Former Guest
December 10, 2019 Gift of Life Transplant House will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. 2019 has been a year of growth, celebration, and loss. Thank you for everyone who has been a part of it.
For more information about Gift of Life Transplant House, check out our NEW website: www.gift-of-life.org. Or follow us on our social media accounts listed below.
Gift of Life Transplant House Mission Statement
The mission of Gift of Life Transplant House is to provide transplant patients and their caregivers with high quality, affordable accommodations in a supportive, home-like environment.
Gift of Life Transplant House is a proud member of
Gift of Life Inc.
705 Second Street, Southwest Rochester, Minnesota 55902
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Executive Committee
President - Joe Forrer
Vice President - PJ Calkins
Past President - Nick Pompeian
Secretary - Brian Sheehan
Treasurer - Jesse Buhl
Emeritus - Jayne Pompeian
Board Members
Arlene Bahr
Dr. Andrew Bentall
Tina Bro
Matt Christensen
Cyle Erie
Lori Ewoldt
Dr. Saad Kenderian
David Liebow
Paul Mensing
Adrienne Pompeian
Dr. Tom Schwab
Honorary Lifetime Board Members
Mary Davie
Sylvester Sterioff, MD
Greg Warner
Gift of Life Transplant House Staff
Executive Director
Mary Wilder
Facilities Manager
Ladd Baldus
Operations Manager
Steve Tarara
Office Supervisor
Kari Wedeking
Lead Desk Reception
Tami Konakowitz
Desk Receptionists:
Karen Kruse, Kyle Gosse
Resident Night/Weekend Supervisors
724 House: Debbie Niemeier
705 House: Val Koehn
Facilities
Bob Himmer, Cory Cody, Mitch Yennie
Lead Housekeeper
Missy Johnson
Housekeepers
Kathy Gilbertson, Pollie Goodman
Marketing Event Coordinator
Miranda Halling
Bookkeeper
Mary Dahlen
Database Clerk
JoAnn Volker