gift of life
My Live Again List
Kaitee Hernandez doesn’t have a bucket list – she keeps a “Live Again List”. That unique perspective sums up Kaitee’s infectious enthusiasm and exuberance.
Kaitee was born with a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. It actually consists of four challenges for the infant: a hole in the heart, a narrowing of the pulmonary valve and main pulmonary artery, a displaced aorta and the muscular wall of the lower
right chamber of the heart being thicker than normal. Quite the list for a baby. The defect is known as “blue baby” and meant that Kaitee’s mom and siblings had to work to prevent Kaitee from excessive crying spells.
When Kaitee was 15 months, she had her first surgery to correct all the challenges and the surgery was a success. Her family was told there would need to be a valve replacement at some point, but Kaitee went on to live a happy childhood, enjoying summers at the lake and participating in various school sports. She played the saxophone and sang soprano in choir. Kaitee loved to
read, cook, bake and play with her dog.
When she was 16, Kaitee began to experience lethargy and shortness of breath and at 21, her pulmonary valve was replaced. Kaitee started college at the University of Wyoming, and she freely admits studies weren’t a priority – she thoroughly enjoyed her social life! During her sophomore year, Kaitee met her husband and made the decision to finish her degree online. It was about this same time that Kaitee began having spells when she could feel her heart stop. Two days of testing revealed she would need to have open heart surgery to replace valves.
As we talked, Kaitee was very open about her struggle with this news and although she was scared, she locked her emotions away to keep from upsetting her family. Over the next few years, Kaitee experienced other procedures, medication changes with little to no improvement. She continued to shut her emotions away. Although she was working, she found herself going home at night utterly exhausted, unable to walk more than ½ block or up and down stairs.
Kaitee’s pent-up emotions resulted in depression. She would often drive to her favorite place and fall on the ground, screaming, trying to understand why this was so hard and coming to grips with her mortality. It was at this time that Kaitee began requiring 24/7 oxygen. She felt herself getting weaker and sicker. Kaitee grew despondent – this wasn’t the way she wanted to live her life.
In February of 2020, Kaitee came to Mayo Clinic for a transplant evaluation and in March, she made the decision to quit her job, pack her bags and move to Rochester to wait for a transplant. She worked to get all her affairs in order, including a will, funeral plans, and power of attorney. On March 16 she began her evaluation tests and on March 25, she was admitted as a heart, double lung transplant candidate. During all of this, COVID hit and she was forced to say goodbye to her loved ones in the vestibule at the hospital,
trying to decide how to deal with a wheelchair full of her personal belongings, fully aware she might never see them again.
The wait for a heart and lungs began. Kaitee worked to focus on other things besides the waiting. She had activities in her room; she got on a good schedule; she video chatted with family; she had Bible studies on Sundays; she walked the halls as much as possible and went outside as much as possible, being certain to stay out of the sunlight because her pumps would turn off.
On August 27, 2020, Kaitee learned that a heart and lungs were available for her. Her family flew and drove to be with her, although they couldn’t see her in the hospital. They wanted to be close.
Her first memory post transplant is that of her mom placing a ball in her hands. As a baby, her mom had given her a little pink ball right after surgery and Kaitee had thrown it across the room. It was mom’s way of saying it’s going to be OK.
This was also an incredibly stressful time for Kaitee’s family. Her sister chose to stay at Gift of Life Transplant House and her brothers stayed at a local hotel. However, only one person could be with Kaitee due to COVID and that was her mother. After a few days and some unsettling moments, Kaitee’s sister was added to the visitor list and she was able to spend time with Kaitee as well.
Kaitee was released from the hospital 6 months to the day she went in! “I am so thankful that Gift of Life Transplant House was an option for us. Not only was it great for financial help, but the environment is geared for the safety of all the guests. It is such a peaceful atmosphere – like a little haven.”
Kaitee was able to achieve her goal of going home before Thanksgiving, leaving in the middle of November. She is incredibly thankful to her donor and their family and part of her “Live Again List” is taking great care of the amazing gift given to her by her donor!
Ben Tilson of Tilson’s Auto Repair presents a donation to Mary Wilder.
Lynn and Patty Zellman donate wish list items.
Savitha Iyengar and Caren Shank help fill luminary bags.
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
It is an honor and pleasure to be the incoming President of Gift of Life Transplant House. I am thrilled to lead the organization and continue my father’s legacy and the House’s mission of providing transplant patients and their caregivers with an exceptional and affordable ‘home away from home’ while undergoing transplant care at Mayo Clinic.
Gift of Life Transplant House has always been a large part of my life. As a little girl, I frequented the house with my parents and brothers to play music, serve meals, and visit with guests. Today, as a nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic caring for kidney
ADRIENNE POMPEIAN INCOMING BOARD PRESIDENT
transplant recipients and donors – many of whom stay at Gift of Life – I am often reminded of the importance of the house when my patients express their appreciation and gratitude.
As many of you have experienced firsthand, Gift of Life Transplant House is a remarkable place to return to, especially after recoveries in the hospital and arduous days at clinic appointments. It is much more than a clean and affordable accommodation – it is a place where tears and laughter are shared, and new friendships are born! At Gift of Life Transplant House, you are not alone!
As Mayo Clinic’s transplant programs continue to grow, there is an ever-increasing demand for additional guest rooms and space
at Gift of Life Transplant House. One of my main goals this year is to advance our expansion efforts substantially. Already, there are many days when the houses are at full capacity. Growing our footprint will prevent us from having to send guests to hotels due to lack of capacity and allow more people to experience Gift of Life Transplant House when they need it most.
Although the pandemic continues, I look forward to the year ahead with full optimism, knowing that my father’s legacy will continue to grow and operate strongly while keeping guests and staff safe and healthy. I vow to lead the organization with integrity, grace and respect.
- Adrienne Pompeian
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
◊ Hand Sanitizer
◊ Lysol Spray
◊ Disinfectant Wipes
Find our Amazon Wish List and links to items on our Website.
Greetings From Israel
Just 50 miles from the Gaza Strip, our thoughts turned to guests Mark and Julia who live in Israel. As the conflict has escalated between Hamas and Israel in the recent days of May, we were concerned about their safety and well-being. We were relieved to read Mark’s email:
“We are fine and in good health. We have here some kind of a ‘small scale war’ against a terror group, Hamas, located in Gaza. Besides, everything is fine, our children and parents are fine. I miss the house very much and believe me, there is no single day, without me thinking of the house and Mayo Clinic and all those hard and wonderful times that we had there.”
Mark received his liver transplant in 2018 and represents one of the many countries from which guests travel to Gift of Life Transplant House!
A Donation Inspired by Marcus
Jack Lester, owner of Jack’s Bottle Shop, hosted a fundraiser for Gift of Life Transplant House, teaming up with many local businesses to sell “Swag Bags”. Jack and his wife Jennifer wanted to give back to Gift of Life Transplant House in honor of what would have been the 10th birthday of Jack’s son, Marcus. Marcus passed away during his wait for a double lung transplant.
With the support of their community and many local businesses, they raised over $10,000 for Gift of Life Transplant House! We are so grateful!
House Happenings
OPERATIONS
• Gift of Life Transplant House made a commitment in March 2020 when we first learned of COVID to remain open and thanks to the hard work of our staff and Mennonite volunteers and your generosity, we have done so!
• In honor of LIVING DONOR DAY on April 7th, a small “paper seed heart” was planted. We should see lovely wildflowers springing up very soon! Watch our Facebook page for photos.
FACILITIES
• OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW RETAINING WALL is in place, thanks to a generous donation.
• We are enjoying a fresh “crop” of TULIPS this spring, planted late last fall by the Confirmation students at Zumbro Lutheran.
• NEW RECLINERS will soon be placed in guest rooms at the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home (705).
UPCOMING PROJECTS
• Updated Bathroom Vanities
• New Luggage Carts
• Updated Security Cameras
Jack Lester presents Mary Wilder with a check for $10,388.
FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Faith-filled Energizer Bunny - That’s how Eugene (Gene) Brown’s wife describes him. “He builds your faith; he never stops being grateful. He’s like the Energizer Bunny.”
Gene Brown had his 1st kidney transplant just two years after his college graduation in 1983. During his freshman year, he had begun to feel ill and after testing, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Just less than a week before finals, Gene was told he would need to be hospitalized. Over the summer, Gene was able to recover somewhat, but when he returned to college that fall, he discovered he would need to take the finals he had missed his freshman year as well as 1st semester mid-terms! Gene’s “energizer bunny” character showed through – he prepared for the finals as best he could and passed both!
Gene went on to graduate with a degree in business administration and upon graduation went to work at an insurance company. He had begun dialysis shortly after graduation and was visiting Mayo Clinic in Rochester for care. After a year on dialysis, Gene received the phone call that a kidney was available! Driving would take too long, so Gene jumped on a charter plane and arrived in Rochester. In those days, kidney transplant patients were required to stay at or close to the clinic for almost 3 months.
“After my transplant in April, 1973, I started visiting new transplants on a daily basis. I would continue to do so until our first child was born in 1983.” Ed Pompeian, The Gift of Life.
Gene was the recipient of one of Ed’s visits during that 1st stay at Mayo Clinic, although it was during his follow-up appointments that he really got to know Ed, his wife Jayne and his mother, Helen. He and Ed enjoyed one another’s company and every time Gene came into town for appointments, they met for lunch.
the house.
Gene enjoyed good health for another 21 years, meeting his wife in 1985 at a volleyball game at Willow Creek Church in Illinois. He and Lori have been married for 35 years.
Gene often stayed at the Brentwood Inn which was owned by Ed and several others. The Inn served as the first vision of Gift of Life Transplant House. During the years, Gene and Lori enjoyed staying at the Edward and Jayne Pompeian Home (the “north” house), and have wonderful memories of Sr. Margeen, Sr. Jane and Helen Pompeian, Ed’s mother. He describes the Sisters as loving and caring and credits them with paving the way for many of the protocols and policies at
Gene had a 2nd transplant in 2004, a 3rd in 2010 and recently began the process for a 4th kidney transplant. “Staying at Gift of Life Transplant House is like being at home. It is so comfortable; there are so many wonderful nooks. It is easy to find a place to be quiet and relax or visit with new friends.”
“Life can be tough and discouraging, but I am so grateful for my wonderful family and my wonderful wife who has been my caregiver.”
Ed and Gene share the same philosophy of life – with faith, family and friends comes the courage, inspiration and tenacity that built Gift of Life Transplant House and is behind Gene’s unshakable attitude of gratitude.
Remembering Our Founder
Gene and Lori Brown had the privilege of meeting Ed and Jayne Pompeian in those early days of Gift of Life Transplant House, but Ed’s character qualities of hospitality, good will and friendship permeate the walls of the house even today!
This July 6th, we will commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Ed’s departure from us. Ed describes his vision in his book, The Gift of Life. We worked to “create a welcoming, family-like
atmosphere that mirrors the optimism and hope by which I try to live my life.”
“Not only are the guests and caregivers the reason for the house’s existence, each one of them is an important part of the house’s success. Their stories are inspirational and demonstrate the power of the human spirit.” While we miss Ed every day, we celebrate the vision that created Gift of Life Transplant House!
Eugene and Lori Brown at Gift of Life Transplant House.
COVID and Gift of Life Transplant House A YEAR LATER
Undeniably, COVID has changed us all and given us a different perspective! We’ve learned about virtual meetings, distance learning, and masks. Weddings, graduations and milestone birthday parties have been postponed; we have lost loved ones and had to say goodbye via a cell phone. COVID has been indiscriminate, impacting every nation, culture, creed, including Mayo Clinic and Gift of Life Transplant House. Yet in the midst of immense challenge, we have been reminded of those values and principles that do not change.
• Guests – those experiencing transplants –still focus on gratitude and not fear.
• Smiles, seemingly hidden by masks, can still be seen in the eyes
• Generosity still abounds
• Our staff are still selfless, caring and tireless
• Gift of Life Transplant House continues to provide high quality, affordable accommodations for transplant patients and their caregivers in a supportive, home-like environment.
It isn’t over yet, but we have the unshakable knowledge that together we can make Gift of Life Transplant House a haven and a home!
WHAT DO OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY?
“We are all family and in this family, no one fights alone.”
“There is strength within you still, keep pushing through.”
“Inhale courage, Exhale fear!”
“There is a reason the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield. What’s behind you is not as important as what is in front of you.”
“After every storm, there is a rainbow.”
“Home away from home. Love y’all.”
“Don’t let today take up too much of tomorrow.”
GARCIA Housekeeper
For more information on our events please visit our website: www.gift-of-life.org. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for photos, event details and other happenings at Gift of Life Transplant House!
www.facebook.com/giftoflifetransplanthouse @GiftOfLifeTransplantHouse
JENIFER
2021 EVENTS
Scan this QR Code to be directed to our Virtual Walk of Remembrance Premiere.
1. Open your device camera or QR code reader.
2. Hold your device over the QR Code so it is visible on your screen. The phone automatically scans the code. On some readers, you have to press a button to snap a picture, not unlike the button on your smartphone camera.
3. You will be taken to YouTube to watch our Virtual Walk of Remembrance Premiere.
Photos from the Timmay 5k held on April 24, 2021 hosted by the Tim Rasmusson Foundation at Silver Lake in Rochester.
Staff, volunteers and board members setting up luminary bags along 2nd Street in honor of Donate Life Month for the Walk of Remembrance.
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 MAYO CLINIC SPECIALTY PHARMACY
2021 CORPORATE PARTNERS LEGACY ENRICHING
FRIEND INVESTING
Executive Committee
President - P.J. (Phillip) Calkins
Vice President - Adrienne Pompeian
Past President - Joe Forrer
Secretary - Brian Sheehan
Treasurer - Joe Forrer
Emeritus - Jayne Pompeian
Board Members
Arlene Bahr
Dr. Andrew Bentall
Tina Bro
Matt Christensen
Cyle Erie
Lori Ewoldt
Dr. Saad J. Kenderian
David Liebow
Paul Mensing
Dr. Thomas 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
Kari Wedeking
Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator
Tami Konakowitz
Receptionists
Ben Alker, Ashley Grant, Nicola Cavanagh
Bookkeeper
Mary Dahlen
Resident Night Manager
724 House: Travis Niemeier
705 House: Val Koehn
Maintenance Lead
Cory Cody
Facilities Staff
Bob Himmer, Mitch Yennie
Lead Housekeeper
Pollie Goodman
Housekeepers
Kathy Gilbertson, Connie Thedens, Jenifer Garcia
Marketing Event Coordinator
Miranda Halling
Data Entry Clerk
JoAnn Volker