July 28-31: Transplant Games of America

Transplant Games of America

Grand Rapids, Michigan

July 28-31, 2012

The Transplant Games of America is an Olympic-­style event for athletes who have undergone life-­saving transplant surgeries and living donors. Competition is open to anyone who has received a solid organ transplant or bone marrow donation. More than just an athletic event, the Transplant Games of America highlights the critical importance of organ and tissue donation, while celebrating the lives of organ donors and recipients.

July 28: Capital City 5K Run/Walk

With warmer temperatures on the horizon, please save the date for the 2012 Capital City 5K Run/Walk for organ, tissue and eye donation. We hope to see you there!

SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Registration opens April, 2012

Spreading the Word: Speaking Opportunities

We would like to thank area Lions Club groups for the recent opportunity to speak to their members about Restoring Hope Transplant House and the importance of supporting transplant patients and families in our area. Cindy Herbst is pictured above with Terry Gulesserian (RHTH Board Member), John Jurkowski (RHTH Board Member, transplant recipient and President of the Middleton Lions Club), Joe Gulesserian and Francine Ernst.

If you are interested in scheduling Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director and Co-Founder Cindy Herbst for an upcoming speaking engagement, please contact her at 608-831-1726 or via email at restoringhope@tds.net.

March 9th: Annual Lions Club Wine Tasting

Please join us for the Annual Middleton Lions Club Wine Tasting event at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton on Friday, March 9th from 5-9pm. Tickets are available at Harbor Athletic Club, online via localwineevents.com, or at the door. All proceeds from this event benefit local charities like Restoring Hope Transplant House. We hope to see you all there!

Feb 26: Transplant Wisconsin Bowling Event


Please join our friends at Transplant Wisconsin for their upcoming bowling event on February 26th:

TWI ANNUAL BOWLING EVENT

Sunday February 26, 2012

1-5pm

Prairie Lanes

430 Clarmar Drive

Sun Prairie, WI

$15 for adults

$10 for Kids

Price includes:

2 games of bowling with shoes and pizza with soda

A fun time to meet others from the transplant community.


Families and kids of all ages welcome.

To find Prairie Lanes click below for directions

http://prairielanes.com/map.aspx


RHTH Co-Founder Gwen Herbst Passes Away

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Gwen "Bunnie" Herbst. She meant the world to us as a family and she was a great supporter of Restoring Hope Transplant House. She will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks for your support in this difficult time.

Happy Holidays - Thanks For A Great 2011

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones from all of us at Restoring Hope Transplant House!

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the board of directors, staff and advisers at Restoring Hope Transplant House, I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season. I hope the past year has blessed you with great moments and memories and may the year ahead provide you with great happiness and opportunities!

It has been a year of great additions for Restoring Hope Transplant House. We have expanded our leadership core on the board of directors by welcoming three new members, have added to our staff and have worked very closely with an adviser who has a wealth of experience and connections having worked with other successful area non-profit projects. All work together with our accounting advisers. Leadership is one of our great strengths, I’m so grateful for all of you.

We have also seen tremendous progress in areas of construction and renovation planning this year with the help of so many of our supporters. The house has hosted several gatherings and meetings that have included local volunteer trades people and those in the construction industry that have already pledged amazing amounts of in-kind materials and labor. It has been a powerful experience to see dreams become transformed into what will soon be final drawings and floor plans after such a time consuming yet essential process.

It has been a year of great accomplishments for the UW Transplant Program as well and we are so grateful for their continued partnership, friendship and attention to detail as we continue to work together towards getting the doors open to serve the desperate transplant families that we hear from on a weekly basis. In the past year we have met amazing families that have made heartfelt contributions of all kinds in memory of a loved one. Their stories and experiences are our motivation; we want these doors opened more than anything to honor them and their families. Together, we can achieve these goals; the finish line is in sight.

The house remains closed to overnight guests until final renovations, but her spirit marches on by hosting regular transplant support group meetings, gatherings and events. We are also very excited to open the doors for a special holiday dinner on December 25th for visiting bone marrow and organ transplant families that are staying in our area and are away from home and loved ones over the holidays.

On a personal note, 2011 also blessed us with a healthy grandchild for the first time this past October – to share the joy of new beginnings with Griffin has been the most precious gift of all.

Happy Holidays!

Cindy Herbst

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Restoring Hope Transplant House

(608) 831-1726

restoringhope@tds.net

www.restoringhope.org

Dec 25: Holiday Dinner for Visiting Transplant Families

We are thrilled to open Restoring Hope Transplant House on Christmas Day for a holiday meal for visiting bone marrow and organ transplant families that are staying in our area. It is not easy being away from home and loved ones over the holidays and so we welcome them to gather here for a special dinner amongst friends. We encourage everyone coming to please RSVP so that we can make sure there is plenty of food for everyone.

If you have any questions or want to help in any way, please call Cindy at 608-831-1726 or via email at restoringhope@tds.net

Certificate of Appreciation: WI Donor Registry

It's an honor to be involved with the successful efforts in the state of Wisconsin to constantly increase awareness for the importance of considering to give the gift of life by joining the Wisconsin Donor Registry. You can make a difference by joining the registry today!

Happy Thanksgiving From Restoring Hope!

On behalf of everyone involved with Restoring Hope Transplant House, we'd like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please click above to read a letter of thanks from Cindy Herbst.

WI Donor Registry: One Million Strong!


I have no idea how we did it! In just 18 months, one million people have registered as organ, tissue and eye donors on Wisconsin's Donor Registry. Wait, I know exactly how we did it... together!

It might have been the hundreds of volunteers who work with me - Dottie Donor Dot - and my friends to promote organ donation through their work in hospitals and communities all over the state. Or, it could be all the grateful recipients who tell everyone about their hero, an organ donor. Or maybe it was the donor families who share their personal experiences with donation so others know what a beautiful gift it is.

Yes, it's all of those people and more.

So thank you DMV employees who ask "Do you wish to be a donor?" a hundred times a day. Thank you, driver's education teachers, for spending 30 minutes to educate teens about the importance of that donor dot. Thank you nurses, physicians, social workers and clergy for guiding donor families through their darkest hour. And thank you media people, for sharing these beautiful stories with the public. Those stories save lives.

But most of all, thank you donors. Thank you for registering as a donor and telling your family so they knew your decision. You are my heroes.

If you haven't registered yet, please do. The registry is legal authorization and saves your family from having to make this decision for you. There are still 3.5 million Wisconsinites - many with orange dots - who need to register.

More than 1,800 people in Wisconsin are waiting for an organ. Will you help us in our work to save more lives?

Your Friend,
Dottie Donor Dot

From The Ripple Effect Newsletter

2011 Living Donor Recognition Ceremony

It was an honor to be involved in the 2011 Living Donor Recognition Ceremony that was recently held at the Marriott. Your stories inspire us - thanks for making a difference in the transplant community!

Best Wishes To A Transplant Community Friend!


Restoring Hope Transplant House would like to thank Sister Jane Frances Gregoire (pictured at left with Cindy Herbst) who recently retired as the executive director at Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, Minnesota for all she has done to help others in need. Our experience at Gift of Life Transplant House several years ago and our ongoing friendship with Sister Jane have really been the inspiration for Restoring Hope Transplant House. As we near construction, her guidance and experience have been wonderful resources for all of us to tap into on a regular basis. Sister Jane served Gift of Life for 20 years and her great work and dedication will always live on in those that have passed through those doors.

Thanks for being such a blessing to the transplant community and best wishes on your next adventure!

Eau Claire Transplant Recipient Cooking For A Cause

Click here to read the recent Eau Claire Leader Telegram article about transplant recipient Greg LaFond and the "Cooking For A Cause" cookbook that has raised funds to support Restoring Hope Transplant House.

Area Carpenters Donate to Restoring Hope



Restoring Hope Transplant House would like to thank Kris Benish (Business Representative / Organizer - North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters) for personally delivering two generous donations totaling $1,000 this week.

Restoring Hope donations came from Carpenters Local 314 Madison, WI. Local 314 was chartered in 1899 and represents approximately 1800 carpenters in southern WI. The local has a long history of helping others through community involvement, food pantries, and monetary donations. In addition to a local contribution a matching donation was approved by North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, (NCSRCC.) NCSRCC is comprised of 29 Locals throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and western Iowa representing approximately 19,000 carpenters, millwrights, piledrivers, and floor coverors.

Thank you all for your support and for the sharing of contacts and resources as we near construction.

Greenway Station Supports Restoring Hope

Amanda Mishica from Greenway Station in Middleton presents a check for $600 to Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst from the recent Middleton's Largest Coffee Break event. Thanks to everyone at Greenway Station and the hundreds of people that turned out for making this such a great event!

Letter of Support: Gundersen Lutheran

Many thanks to Dr. Gundersen from the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation in LaCrosse for taking the time to send this wonderful letter of support for Restoring Hope Transplant House. Restoring Hope will serve families from all parts of Wisconsin and beyond, so this letter and your kind words really mean a lot to us!

Donations from Middleton's Largest Coffee Break

Thanks to everyone involved in the recent Middleton's Largest Coffee Break event that was held at Greenway Station. It was a great event and so nice to see so many friendly faces. We're extremely grateful that Restoring Hope Transplant House was chosen as your charity of choice for 2011. Many thanks to everyone that made this event possible!

Making A Difference: Electrical Union Local 159

The retired electricians from Electrical Union Local 159, pictured above, came to Restoring Hope Transplant House last week to better understand our vision and purpose and see how best they could help us with potential in-kind labor during construction. We were honored by their time and presence. This group of electricians has an outstanding record of serving this community and other non profits in their vision to serve others. Thank you all for coming!

Middleton's Largest Coffee Break Benefits RHTH



Please join us for the Annual Middleton's Largest Coffee Break event at Greenway Station on Friday, September 16th from 9-11am. Donation proceeds from this event will benefit Restoring Hope Transplant House. See you then!

Local College Student Raises $5,000 for RHTH

Ashley Nonn presents a check for $5,000 to Executive Director Cindy Herbst from the recent fundraiser event Ashley organized at Capital Brewery to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. What an amazing job by an amazing person - thanks to Ashley and everyone involved!

"Through the silent auction fundraiser at Capital Brewery, donations from good people and a car wash at Middleton Cycle, we were able to raise $5,000. This event would not have been possible without the help of my loved ones, London Fog, Troop 140, and the many businesses that donated. Thank you everyone for helping a good cause and Abby Niemuth for inspiring me."

--Ashley Nonn
Event Organizer

General Heating Golf Event Supports RHTH

We would like to thank the owners and employees of General Heating and Air Conditioning for making Restoring Hope Transplant House their charity for this years golf event. This means so much to us especially knowing that leadership and employees will be working on the renovation and addition work in the very near future. Thank you all!



Article: RHTH Intern Katie Kruse

Here's a recent article about Restoring Hope Transplant House Intern Katie Kruse who talks about her summer experience at RHTH and her interest in giving back to the community. We're all very grateful for your help this summer, Katie!

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin Visits RHTH

Thanks to Madison Mayor Paul Soglin for his recent visit to Restoring Hope Transplant House. Mayor Soglin came to further understand our mission and vision and how Dane County is enhanced by the work we do here, anticipating the needs of those coming in need of hope because of their need for transplantation. We thank him for his interest in helping to get the doors open!

Photos From Transplant Support Walk In Viroqua

Thanks to all of the organizers and participants that braved the elements up in Viroqua this past weekend for the annual Vernon Memorial Healthcare Transplant Support Walk. They do an amazing job of spreading transplant awareness and caring for those that are facing the many challenges associated with transplantation. Great job!


RHTH Welcomes Three New Board Members

Restoring Hope Transplant House is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Board of Directors.

CNN Story: Restoring Hope Transplant House


Restoring Hope Transplant House was recently featured for a story on CNN Money. As many of you know, Middleton was ranked #8 this year on CNN Money's annual "Best Places To Live" list. We're extremely grateful for their visit and for all of the "Good Neighbors" that have had a hand in bringing this dream so much closer to reality!

On the Road: Duranceau Foundation Event in GB

Executive Director Cindy Herbst and Intern Katie Kruse were thrilled to again be part of the David Duranceau Foundation golf event held on Friday, August 12th at Thornberry Country Club. We had the pleasure of being on the 13th Hole to greet golfers and tell them our story and updates of moving forward. It was fun to thank them all for coming out to golf in support of the Duranceau Foundation. The Duranceau Foundation in turn supports Restoring Hope Transplant House and other transplant related causes and allows us to soon provide a home away from home for so many Green Bay area residents that make the long and frequent trips to Madison for life-saving care. The Duranceau's did not have the luxury of staying at a transplant house when their family was deeply touched by a very challenging experience with transplantation. They understand the difference a transplant house type home would make for other families facing very similar challenges and we're so grateful to their entire family for that continued support and friendship.


Capital Brewery Fundraiser A Great Success!

We're all so grateful to Ashley Nonn and her friends, family and other Middleton Lions Club members who worked so very hard to host their recent Transplant House fundraiser event at Capital Brewery. In addition to generating funds to support the house, this amazing group did a wonderful job in bringing awareness and support to Restoring Hope Transplant House and the need for bone marrow and organ transplant. We are so very thankful for their energy and willingness to help us in this work to give a HOME to transplant patients and their caregiver.

Channel 15 Video

August 13: Transplant Support Walk in Viroqua

Please join us for the upcoming Vernon Memorial Healthcare Transplant Support Walk that will be held in Viroqua, WI on August 13th. Click on the flyer and registration forms for more information.

Garage Sale Raises Money For RHTH

The recent Restoring Hope Transplant House garage sale raised $1864.29 with all proceeds going to benefit the Transplant House. Thanks so much to all of the hard-working volunteers as well as everyone that contributed items and stopped by the sale. It was a great time for a great cause!


August 13: RHTH Fundraiser at Capital Brewery


Please join friends Ashley and members of the Middleton Lions Clubs at their upcoming Restoring Hope Transplant House Fundraiser event that will be held on Saturday, August 13th at Capital Brewery in Middleton. Please visit their website for a listing of silent auction items and for more information. Thank you all for your continued support!

Pictured Below: Ashley Nonn and Gregg Leccesi at the Channel 27 studios prior to an interview to promote their upcoming event and WKOW's Teresa Mackin with Ashley and Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst in the studio.


CNN Visits Restoring Hope Transplant House

Many thanks to Amy and Bob from CNN for coming all the way out from New York to film a story about Restoring Hope Transplant House yesterday. They spent most of the day visiting area supporters, learning more about some of their touching stories and seeing first-hand how the local community is embracing this project and moving it closer towards construction. They finished off the evening by attending our construction meeting that featured upwards of 40 people from around the community. We'll keep you posted on this story and let you know when it will air.

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