Lacey describes being diagnosed with end-stage renal failure as a “blow to her ego”. Her motto in life had always been “get off the couch” and this diagnosis required her to be on dialysis, draining her energy and strength. Lacey found herself on the couch, an unfamiliar place for this athletic young woman.
At 16 months, Lacey became partially paralyzed when a heavy weight fell on her spine. Her recovery from that injury was a miracle, but by age nine, Lacey was using a wheelchair. Despite her injury, Lacey learned to “sit ski” at age 14, joining her family on the mountains of Idaho. She soon fell in love with the sport and the freedom of flying down the mountain. A natural competitor, Lacey trained hard and eventually participated in Paralympics, and X Games, becoming a World Champion and as a member of the U.S.
gift of life
Lacey knew she was experiencing unusual exhaustion and in the summer of 2003, she was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Following her motto, Lacey persevered for the next seven years, going through dialysis up to four times a day while continuing to compete in ski races around the world. She went through dialysis in the Alps, on trains,
Paralympic Alpine National Team, Lacey brought home two bronze medals in 2002.
Lacey (right) with sister, Bree, enjoying time on the patio outside at Gift of Life Transplant House.
buses and in hotel rooms. But at the 2006 Winter Paralympics in Italy, the strain of her rigorous training schedule combined with her dialysis caught up with her and at age 26, Lacey retired. Rather than training for another skiing championship, Lacey would begin preparing for a kidney transplant.
In 2009, Lacey’s kidney was removed and she struggled with the thought of asking one of her 5 siblings or parents to consider being a donor. It wasn’t until Lacey’s husband, Benjamin, stepped in and explained her medical situation to her family and asked for their help that Lacey’s older sister, Ali, volunteered, saying she had been waiting for Lacey to ask for her help. In 2010, Lacey received the gift of life in Seattle, Washington
but she also found her mental health being tested. Now facing her worst fear of rejection brought feelings of shame, guilt and worry. She asked herself “What did I do wrong”, Am I worth a second transplant?”, Is my life worth this?”. Benjamin’s unwavering support gave her strength and she prepared for a 2nd transplant. Her younger sister volunteered to give her the gift of life during this 2nd transplant, but Lacey, Benjamin and Bree would need a place to stay during recovery.
In January 2019, Lacey and Benjamin visited Gift of Life Transplant House. “The moment I got here, I felt hope.” During the tour she felt as though she had a second team, another support group and people who were going through similar situations with their own stories to share. “I saw the looks on everybody’s faces; I felt at home right away . . .for the first time in a long time.”
“The moment I got here I felt hope… I saw the looks on everybody’s faces and I felt at home right away for the first time in a long time”
and to be closer to the transplant center, she and Benjamin moved from Idaho to Seattle. As Lacey’s strength returned, she and Benjamin began prioritizing what they needed and wanted in life and agreed that family and healthcare were most important. In September 2017, she and Benjamin moved to Mondovi, WI, Benjamin’s hometown.
A few months after their move to the quiet rural town of Mondovi, Lacey’s health began to decline and she went into rejection. Lacey and Benjamin traveled to Mayo Clinic for a full kidney evaluation and baseline to become integrated into the transplant program. Not only did Lacey find her physical health challenged,
Lacey received her 2nd kidney transplant in April, during Donate Life Month. She knew what to expect this second time around and with a safe, clean place to stay and the support of her husband and sister, she recovered quickly. “I feel alive, like I’ve gained 10 years.”
Inspired by her situation and her sister who teaches dance classes to people with disabilities, Lacey’s focus has shifted. She plans to do whatever she can to add love, compassion, belonging and value to the world while integrating more play into her life to build memories, connections and togetherness. Lacey continues to inspire others to reach their summit through speaking and singing engagements.
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
HONORING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Note written in 1995:
“Thank you for your kindness and help, and for giving us a wonderful place to stay during my husband’s stem cell process. We met amazing people and were surrounded by amazing staff! It was a home away from home.”
Note written in 2019:
“There just aren’t enough words for me to express how thankful I am for this amazing place of healing and the wonderful staff that makes it all happen. Every stay here has been more wonderful than the last.”
In 1984, Ed Pompeian’s vision to open a transplant house became a reality. Opening that first transplant house was hard work and required determination and faith, yet Ed’s belief that patients would recover more fully in an environment of support and hospitality never wavered.
Those same attitudes remain true today – the gratitude and appreciation of our guests, the sacrificial generosity of our benefactors and the dedication of our staff, volunteers and board. And the notes received from a guest in 1995 and 2019 are testament to that. This year of celebration honors the past and looks to the future.
While we know the future can be uncertain, we know without question that the mission of Gift of Life Transplant House will remain steadfast – to provide high quality, affordable accommodations to transplant patients and their caregivers in a supportive, home-like environment. 35 years from now, the notes we receive will still be filled with the same gratitude and appreciation we receive today and 35 years ago. Meeting the challenge of the continued need for lodging for transplant patients will again require sacrifice, but the leadership that has brought Gift of Life Transplant House to our 35th anniversary continues to inspire confidence that our goals will be achieved and we will remain true to the ideals that influenced Ed Pompeian!
Mary Wilder, Executive Director
(LEFT) Lacey with her sister, Bree, preparing for their kidney transplant surgeries.
(RIGHT) Lacey and her husband, Benjamin, in the hospital.
STEVE TARARA Celebrates 11 Years at Gift of life transplant House
Steve began as a volunteer at Gift of Life Transplant House in late 2007 at the suggestion of his wife, Deb. His volunteering tasks were varied, including painting, staining, giving tours, and light maintenance. Then in April 2008, a PT employee resigned and Sister Jane asked if Steve would like to take the position. Already successful in another career, the decision was not difficult for Steve. As he says, he had “fallen in love with the mission and people” of Gift of Life Transplant House. When the Anne and Henry Zarrow Home opened its doors in November, 2009, Steve became the Operations Manager, a role he continues in today. Steve recently earned the “Above and Beyond Award”, an award never before given to a non-Mayo employee. We are truly honored to have Steve as a member of the staff of Gift of Life Transplant House and congratulate him on this anniversary.
STAFF UPDATES
If you would like to send Steve a congratulatory note, please email him at Steve@gift-of-life.org or mail a note to our mailing address.
WELCOME NEW STAFF:
MARY DAHLEN Bookkeeper
JOANN VOLKER Data Entry Clerk
POLLIE GOODMAN Housekeeper
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE
WISH LIST
◊ New commercial vacuum cleaners
◊ Toilet paper
◊ Paper towels
◊ Facial tissues
◊ $30 for one night of lodging
◊ Forever postage stamps
◊ Gallon-size Ziploc bags
◊ Wrapped candy
◊ Gift Cards to Wal-Mart, Target, or Hy-Vee
◊ Liquid hand soap - large refill bottles
◊ Liquid dish soap
◊ Hand sanitizer refills
◊ Scrubbing Bubbles
◊ Soft Scrub
◊ Coffee - regular & decaffeinated
Where Friendships are Formed COMFORT OF A KITCHEN
When we think of the comforts of home, our senses are triggered by the memories and feelings that flash through our minds. The smell of good food being prepared in the kitchen, sounds of laughter and chatter, the loose stair that creaks, the familiar pictures on the walls and the newest magnets on the refrigerator all bring the warmth of home to our minds. We can’t forget the delight of sitting down to dinner together to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Being away from home for an extended period is never easy, and even more difficult when your home is in a different country. The food, culture, weather and often language offer a unique experience that can be anything but comforting.
Missing her home in Panama City, Panama, Carmen came to Gift of Life Transplant House with her husband who was waiting for his stem cell transplant. They arrived in November 2018, just before Thanksgiving and Carmen’s warmth and friendly smile quickly won the hearts of the other guests and caregivers. She and her husband enjoyed the traditional Thanksgiving dinner provided by Gift of Life Transplant House, so when Christmas got closer, Carmen took charge of hosting a Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner for guests. With the help of a few other couples, the menu included two turkeys, ham, mashed potatoes and bread made from scratch. Others contributed side dishes, salads and desserts!
Carmen understands the importance of community and appreciates the communal kitchens at Gift of Life Transplant House. The kitchens support guest and caregivers’ ability to prepare their own meals and meet other guests. “The kitchen is a place where you make friends . . .it is a place to get away, or in Spanish we say, ‘to take care of yourself’”.
Carmen met Karen, waiting for her liver transplant and together the two recruited others to begin making dinners together. What to prepare for the meal was determined simply based on what sounded good. One evening the group spent their time in the kitchen
cooking fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans and two large tables were pulled together to seat the group for the delicious dinner!
Carmen can always tell when someone is new to the house by the way they look for utensils in the kitchen. She kindly offers help and introduces herself. Her love of cooking began at her home where she and her daughter share fond memories of time spent cooking together. Carmen has even cooked for the staff and describes the staff with kind words.
Gift of Life Transplant House offers a communal kitchen that allows guests to interact and prepare meals that align with their tastes. Those meals are shared in the communal dining rooms, filled with laughter, talking and catching up on the day’s events. Carmen says, “This is the best place. People are in the same situation. They are compassionate. They understand you.” Carmen and her husband are still at Gift of Life Transplant House as he recovers and her cooking continues to be a delight to everyone!
Carmen (left) with Veronica, getting ready to prepare dinner over the holidays.
A group preparing handmade braided breads.
A group of Gift of Life Transplant House guests preparing a holiday meal.
A PERFECT MATCH
Sharon met Wayne at a skating rink in Winona, MN and a ride home led to a romance of nearly 60 years of marriage, love, family and care giving. They made a home in Kenosha, WI and raised 3 daughters. They now have 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
In 1998, Sharon was placed on a medication for high blood sugar and according to Sharon, the side effects had a devastating impact on her liver. After a series of tests, Sharon was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. Her husband wasn’t satisfied with this diagnosis and made the decision to bring his wife to Mayo Clinic. There, Sharon learned her actual diagnosis was Cryptogenic Cirrhosis and she would need a liver transplant. She recalls the strange moment of walking out of the clinic with her husband, finding themselves laughing with the relief of a diagnosis that made sense to them.
In 1999, Sharon was placed on the liver transplant list. Sharon and Wayne decided to come to Gift of Life Transplant House to be closer when the anticipated call came. While at the house, Sharon stayed busy helping, but shortness of breath made it difficult. At 3:00am on October 6th, the phone rang with news that a liver was ready for her.
fix me.” Sharon received over 100 cards, many gift baskets and phone calls during her hospital stay. But her biggest support came from her husband. “Wayne has never missed one of my appointments.
“Mayo Clinic saved my life, but Gift of Life saved my life just as much.”
He would say, ‘If you can go through all the tests, I can sit in the waiting room’.”
Recovery was difficult, but Sharon’s cheerful attitude, good spirits and fearlessness reassured her husband and family. “I trusted Mayo so much I couldn’t be afraid. I knew they’d
His support didn’t end there, however. In 2006, Sharon’s kidneys stopped functioning and she was told she would need a kidney transplant. The search for a donor began with Wayne and he was found to be the perfect match.
Sharon says the doctors told her one kidney worked better than two for both Sharon and Wayne. We enjoyed a visit from Wayne and Sharon in early spring. Sitting in the dining room, enjoying a bite to eat, Sharon shared, “You don’t ever forget that you are a transplant. I wouldn’t change anything. My life is truly more blessed in the last 18 years than ever before. Mayo Clinic saved my life, but Gift of Life Transplant House saved my life just as much.”
Sharon and Wayne love to spend time at their summer home in Lake Geneva, entertaining friends and family.
Sharon and Wayne Wernecke at Gift of Life Transplant House for check up appointments.
JULY 15
35TH ANNUAL GIFT OF LIFE
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Located at: Rochester Golf & Country Club
JULY 28
TRANSPLANT PATIENT PICNIC
Located at: Soldiers Memorial Field
AUGUST 9
CULINARY SHOWDOWN
Located at: Kahler Apache Event Center
SEPTEMBER 8
GIFT OF LIFE RUN & WALK 5K
Located at:
Gift of Life Transplant House
SEPTEMBER 14
GALA OF THE DECADES AN EMERALD AFFAIR
Located at:
International Event Center
For more information or to register for our events, please visit our website: www.gift-of-life.org.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for photos, event details and more information.
2019 CORPORATE PARTNERS LEGACY
Sand Ceremony during the Walk of Remembrance.
Wheel spokes decorated for Donate Life Month. This year’s theme was Life is a Beautiful Ride.
Group of runners at the “Start” of the Timmay 5k.
Gift of Life Transplant House staff member and husband pouring sand during the sand ceremony.
OPERATIONS
• WEBSITE upgrade is being generously provided by CWS, a Rochester web design firm. In December, Gift of Life Transplant House applied for this opportunity. Following an interview in January, we were notified that we were the recipients! We are so thankful to CWS! Look for announcements about the new website launch this fall!
• An IT GRANT through Otto Bremer Trust has been submitted. The grant, if awarded, will allow Gift of Life Transplant House to install an upgraded phone system, hospitality software and additional access points for improved WiFi connectivity.
• Creation of a “MUSEUM ROOM” will soon be underway at the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home. We would like a place to display the rich and wonderful history of Gift of Life Transplant House. If you have any items you feel could be a part of our room and would benefit this project, please contact Mary Wilder, Executive Director at mwilder@gift-of-life.org
House Happenings
FACILITIES
• DECK PROJECT is scheduled to begin in late May! With the generous donation from Trails4Transplants, Gift of Life Transplant House will be able to build a deck on the east side of the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home. The deck will feature a lighted ramp, making it accessible to all guests, an enlarged grilling area and seating beneath the shade provided by our walnut trees. Donations will also make it possible to furnish the deck. Watch Facebook for progress and completion photos!
Gift of Life Transplant House Turns 35!
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
