RESTORING HOPE TRANSPLANT HOUSE

RHTH Co-Founder Gwen Herbst Passes Away

2012-01-14T08:39:00.006-06:00

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

2011-12-20T12:16:00.003-06:00

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 25^th 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

2011-12-15T10:04:00.003-06:00

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

2011-12-13T09:43:00.003-06:00

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!

2011-11-23T09:03:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-11-09T10:32:00.004-06:00

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?

Visit YesIWillWisconsin.com today

Your Friend,
Dottie Donor Dot

From The Ripple Effect Newsletter

2011 Living Donor Recognition Ceremony

2011-11-09T10:23:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-09-30T12:13:00.004-05:00

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

2011-09-27T11:44:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-22T11:26:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-21T11:59:00.002-05:00

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

2011-09-19T11:13:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-19T11:04:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-19T10:58:00.003-05:00

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

2011-09-07T10:33:00.002-05:00

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

2011-09-01T11:49:00.004-05:00

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

2011-08-30T13:44:00.001-05:00

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

2011-08-23T08:50:00.002-05:00

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

2011-08-18T10:22:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-18T08:41:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-16T15:35:00.007-05:00

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

2011-08-15T14:55:00.007-05:00

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

2011-08-15T14:38:00.003-05:00

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!

2011-08-15T14:23:00.004-05:00

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

2011-08-02T11:50:00.003-05:00

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

2011-08-01T13:00:00.005-05:00

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

2011-07-23T08:04:00.005-05:00

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

2011-07-21T11:02:00.003-05:00

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.

Beer, Brats & Brains Part II Held At RHTH

2011-07-21T10:42:00.006-05:00

We'd like to thank everyone that came last night for the second "Beer, Brats & Brains" construction and planning meeting. As major construction and renovations near at Restoring Hope Transplant House, we're so thankful for all of the support and feedback that we've received from all of you. It means a lot to us to have these opportunities to talk about the future and share ideas with so many amazingly talented people from such a wide variety of backgrounds. Thank you all for coming!

Special thanks to Capital Brewery, Culver's and The National Mustard Museum for donating food and beverage items.

Kidney Donor Fundraiser Supports RHTH

2011-07-21T10:04:00.003-05:00

Sarah Borstad and kidney donor Tim Nelson made a visit to Restoring Hope Transplant House yesterday to present a check for $1,700 to Executive Director Cindy Herbst and Intern Katie Kruse. The money was raised during a fundraiser event held in Tim's honor prior to his transplant. What an amazing group of people and an even more amazing story. Your generosity is very much appreciated and Tim's willingness to help a complete stranger in need of a life-saving transplant inspires us more than ever to get these doors open! Best wishes!

Elaine Graber Memorial Ride Raises $10,000

2011-07-11T15:48:00.003-05:00

It was a special evening to be able to host friends and family members of the late Elaine Graber recently. Elaine was a nurse on the transplant floor at UW Hospital prior to her passing in 2009. In her memory, her friends and family have organized the Elaine Graber Memorial Ride For Hope (or "Worm Ride") which benefits Restoring Hope Transplant House. Their 2nd annual Worm Ride this past May was another great success and it was an honor to share in that success with them here over a nice dinner. Several members of the group are pictured above presenting a check for $10,000 to Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst. Thank you all!

July 18th: RHTH at The Lube in Middleton

2011-07-11T10:58:00.002-05:00

Join us at Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton from 5-8pm on Monday, July 18th. Restoring Hope Transplant House will receive 5% of total food sales courtesy of the "Make A Difference Monday" program.

Capitol Indemnity Corp: Change for the Better

2011-06-21T09:38:00.004-05:00

Dalia Dannenberg from Capitol Indemnity Corporation drove by Restoring Hope Transplant House one day interested in the historic architecture of this house so she did a bit of homework to find out what we were about. She had a co worker named Courtney Larsen, whose father died waiting for a heart transplant. Dalia's compassion and goodwill for others, asked us to come speak at their company Lunch and Learn. Then they set out to send flyers and emails of competition between the floors to raise money for RHTH from spare change and in a week raised $685.64.

Dalia (middle) is pictured above presenting their donation check to Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst (left) and RHTH Summer Intern Katie Kruse (right).

The power of passion, compassion and coming together for the good of others will always change our world. Thank you all!

July 30: Capital City 5k Run/Walk

2011-06-20T13:18:00.004-05:00

Please join many of our friends for the Capital City 5k Run/Walk for organ, tissue and eye donation on Saturday, July 30th. Click the flyer above for more details.

2011 Madison Missions Group: Day 2

2011-06-20T13:04:00.003-05:00

Thanks again to yet another hard working group of volunteers with Madison Missions (Blackhawk Church) that did an amazing job helping us clean inside and outside the house last week. We hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we enjoyed having you!

July 29 & 30: RHTH Garage Sale

2011-06-17T16:41:00.004-05:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House is hosting a garage sale on July 29 & 30. Please click on the flyer above for more details and to learn how you can help contribute items that are in excellent condition. All proceeds benefit Restoring Hope Transplant House.

2011 Madison Missions Groups at RHTH

2011-06-14T13:00:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to the two volunteer groups from Blackhawk Church that came to RHTH recently as part of their Madison Missions program. What a beautiful day it was for their visit and what a difference they made in helping out around the house. Thank you all so much!

6/18: Mallards - Organ Donation Awareness Night

2011-06-14T12:39:00.005-05:00

On Saturday evening, June 18, our friends at Transplant Wisconsin will be hosting their first ever Organ Donation Awareness Night with the Madison Mallards baseball team. They are playing Wisconsin Rapids that night, and the game starts at 6:05 pm at the recently renovated Duck Pond Stadium at Warner Park. This is the Mallards first Saturday night home game of the season and there will be fireworks after the game to really spice things up.

OPO volunteers will be handing out donor registry information cards to fans as they enter the stadium that evening. TWI will have a booth near the entrance gate and Dottie will be in attendance, as well as being on the field with Maynard the Mallard for a couple of promos during the game. You won't want to miss Maynard in his new DONATE super-hero cape, or miss the opportunity to get your photo taken with Dottie, or behind our new super-size Wisconsin drivers license. We have a recipient who will be throwing out the first pitch that night, along with some catchy PA announcements and radio commercials. A short video that was done by liver recipient Erin Davisson (achor at WFRV-TV in Green Bay) will also be shown on their new video screen.

Please consider joining the fun. Tickets can be purchased online at: http://ma1.glitnirticketing.com/maticket/web/ev_list.php.

June 14: Organ Donor Education Day at St Mary's

2011-06-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

Please join us for Organ Donor Education Day on June 14th at St. Mary's Hospital. You can make a difference - please stop by!

Hope Ride Volunteer Donates Kidney to Stranger

2011-06-01T13:39:00.008-05:00

Please take a moment to watch the heroic Channel 3 story of Tim Nelson, a local man that donated a kidney to a stranger in need. His donation set off an organ donation chain that ultimately saved the lives of several people. Thanks for making a difference Tim - and thanks for volunteering at our recent Restoring Hope Ride.

2011 Restoring Hope Ride Video Footage

2011-05-25T13:42:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to Triangle Media Works for putting together this nice 2:30 minute video that features footage from the 2011 Restoring Hope Ride.

Elaine Graber Memorial Ride for Hope- Thank You!

2011-05-25T09:02:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to the hundreds of people that came out in support of the 2nd Annual Elaine Graber Memorial Ride this past Saturday in Belleville. It's an honor to be included in an event like this that has such a close-knit group of family members and supporters to honor the memory of Elaine and also support Restoring Hope Transplant House - a cause that was near and dear to her heart. Thank you all!

2011 Restoring Hope Ride Photos

2011-05-24T09:15:00.003-05:00

Photos are in from the 2011 Restoring Hope Ride. We hope you enjoy them!

Elaine Graber Worm Ride: May 21st in Belleville

2011-05-19T08:55:00.005-05:00

Please join us in Belleville on Saturday, May 21st for the 2nd Annual Elaine Graber Memorial Ride. The Worm Ride is a fun motorcycle event held in memory of Elaine Graber who was an RN on the transplant floor at UW Hospital in Madison. This is a wonderful event that has a very loyal group of supporters that ride to support Elaine and her family and also raise funds to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. We hope to see you there!

Hope Ride Coverage - Thank You!

2011-05-15T06:13:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much to all of the riders, supporters and volunteers that braved the chilly weather conditions on Saturday to participate in the 3rd Annual Restoring Hope Ride. Your support for the House and this event means so much to all of us!

We will be posting photos and video from the event soon. In the meantime, here's video coverage from the event courtesy of WISC-TV3. Thank you all!

Restoring Hope Ride In The News!

2011-05-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to Channel 3 in Madison and to all of the other print, news and radio media outlets that have so graciously taken the time to help us spread the word about the Restoring Hope Ride. The above video is a Channel 3 Hope Ride interview with Executive Director Cindy Herbst and Hope Ride Co-Chair Amanda Pischke.

Updated Hope Ride Course Maps - 100k & 50k

2011-05-10T16:41:00.003-05:00

Updated Restoring Hope Ride course maps for the 100k and 50k courses have been added to MapMyRide.com for those that are interested in looking those respective courses over. Please note that some changes have been made to these courses due to construction and for increased safety. A reminder that cue sheets will be available at the registration/check-in table for all 50k and 100k riders. See you Saturday!

100k FIRST LOOP COURSE MAP

2011 Restoring Hope Transplant House Ride- 100k first loop

Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Middleton, WI

100K SECOND LOOP AND 50K COURSE MAP

2011 Restoring Hope Transplant House Ride- 50k

Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in Middleton, WI

Strang Supports Restoring Hope Ride

2011-05-10T10:06:00.002-05:00

Strang, the architecture team behind the renovation and construction phase at Restoring Hope Transplant House has designed their own team bike jerseys, helped to register numerous riders and even raised additional financial contributions in support of our upcoming Restoring Hope Ride. We are forever grateful for their support! The Restoring Hope Ride is the annual fundraiser cycling event in support of Restoring Hope Transplant House. This year's Hope Ride will take place on May 14th, 2011 at Capital Brewery in Middleton. For more information, please visit: www.restoringhope.org/hoperide

Chili Cook Off Raises Money For RHTH

2011-05-04T10:43:00.002-05:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House would like to thank Standard Imaging and their employees for raising money to support the Transplant House during their Chili Cook Off. Thank you all!

Hope Ride T-Shirts - A New Look For 2011

2011-05-03T18:32:00.004-05:00

The proof for the 2011 Restoring Hope Ride t-shirts arrived today - we hope you like the new look! All riders that registered by the early t-shirt deadline of April 22nd will receive this Hope Ride t-shirt as part of their registration. A limited number of extra shirts will be available while supplies last for riders that have registered after the April 22nd t-shirt deadline. The Restoring Hope Ride is Saturday, May 14th at Capital Brewery in Middleton, so register today!

Hope Ride Raffle & Silent Auction Items

2011-04-28T08:50:00.003-05:00

An early list of the 2011 Restoring Hope Ride Raffle & Silent Auction Items is now up online. This is BY FAR the best raffle/silent auction that we've put together since the start of the Restoring Hope Ride. We owe a great deal of thanks to the many area businesses and individuals that have contributed items for us to include at our upcoming event on May 14th. The response has been pretty amazing. We hope to see all you avid cyclists out on the course in a couple weeks but we also hope that everyone knows that this is so much more than just a bike event. There are a lot of activities and great prizes for non-riders that are also looking for a fun afternoon while supporting a good cause. Thank you all for making this such a fun event for all of us!

--The Restoring Hope Ride Planning Committee

"Restoring Hope" - NEW VIDEO!

2011-04-27T14:25:00.003-05:00

We'd like to thank Triangle Media Works and the amazing people that took the time to share their moving transplant stories for our new video "Restoring Hope". Your stories are our motivation, thank you!

Donation In Memory of Dustin Rozmenoski

2011-04-12T11:31:00.005-05:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House would like to thank the Donna Frett Organ Donation Foundation for their generous donation made in memory of Dustin Rozmenoski. It was a special moment to be able to share some time with the Frett and Rozmenoski families during their visit to Madison and a tour of Restoring Hope Transplant House. They're amazing people that share a special bond! Thanks for sharing your story and for supporting the house as we near groundbreaking.

Pro Cyclist VandeVelde Tweets About Hope Ride

2011-04-06T11:01:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to Professional Cyclist Christian VandeVelde for mentioning the Restoring Hope Ride yesterday on his Twitter page. May 14th is coming quickly, register today!

Letter of Support: Dixon Kaufman

2011-03-24T09:49:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to Dixon Kaufman, the new Chair of the UW Health Transplant Program for sending the above letter of support for RHTH. We look forward to working with you, welcome to Madison!

2011 Worm Ride Flyer

2011-03-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

Please click above for more information about the upcoming "Worm Ride" in Memory of Elaine Graber. This is a wonderful family and group that has been so supportive of Restoring Hope Transplant House. We hope to see you there!

2011 Restoring Hope Ride Video

2011-03-15T18:12:00.002-05:00

Join us for the 3rd Annual Restoring Hope Ride at Capital Brewery on Saturday, May 14th!

Lions Club Event Supports RHTH

2011-03-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

The 12th Annual Lions Club Wine Tasting at the Marriott last Friday was another huge success. Thanks to everyone that contributed auction items for this event and a big thanks to everyone that came out to support the Middleton Lions Club, Restoring Hope Transplant House and other area causes and businesses. It was a fun evening!

Messages for Restoring Hope

2011-03-13T20:37:00.003-05:00

About Messages for Restoring Hope

Vision: By May 16, 2011, our vision is to collect 1000 messages for restoring hope through our website and community outreach methods. We envision editing the 1000 messages into a select few that can be self-published and become a long term fund-raising asset for the Restoring Hope Transplant House. Please visit www.messagesforrestoringhope.com to share your message and support Restoring Hope Transplant House. Any help you could provide in spreading the word about this project would be greatly appreciated!

Dan & Ali invite you to attend 2011 Hope Ride

2011-03-12T13:45:00.005-06:00

Dan Smith from the Restoring Hope Transplant House Board of Directors and his friend Ali, a liver transplant survivor, invite you all to attend the 2011 Restoring Hope Ride on Saturday, May 14th at Capital Brewery. For more information and to register online, please visit the Hope Ride website.

Dixon Kaufman: New UW Transplant Div. Chief

2011-03-07T15:37:00.006-06:00

Dixon B. Kaufman is New Transplant Division Chief

Madison, Wisconsin - Dr. Dixon B. Kaufman has been appointed the new chief of the transplant division at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Hospital and Clinics.

Named four times to the "Best Doctors in America" list, Kaufman comes to UW-Madison from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, where he held a named professorship and was vice chair of research for the surgery department and deputy director of the comprehensive transplant program

He also served as director of pancreas and islet-cell transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Kaufman received his bachelor's, medical and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He completed his internship and surgical residency at Minnesota as well. He joined the Northwestern surgery faculty in 1992 and in 2004 was promoted to full professor.

"Dr. Kaufman brings an impressive combination of clinical skill, research expertise and educational leadership to our transplant program," said surgery chair Dr. Craig Kent. "He is joining an outstanding team of transplant physicians and surgeons and I am confident he will continue our long-standing national leadership in transplant medicine."

Kaufman serves on the editorial boards of four medical journals in transplantation. He also conducts both basic research in immunosuppression and clinical research in islet-cell transplantation. He will hold the Ray D. Owen Professorship at UW-Madison.

Kaufman will begin his new role March 1.

Official Release

Alliant Bowling Classic Raises $17,800 for RHTH

2011-03-07T08:19:00.003-06:00

The 8th Annual Alliant Energy Bowling Classic raised an amazing $17,800 for Restoring Hope Transplant House on March 3rd, 2011 at Badger Bowl. Here are some photos from the event including the check presentation to Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst. Thank you all so much!

May 21: Elaine Graber Memorial "Worm Ride"

2011-03-07T08:03:00.003-06:00

Please join us out in Belleville on May 21st for the 2nd Annual Elaine Graber Memorial "Worm Ride". This was an amazing event last year held in memory of Elaine Graber and in support of Restoring Hope Transplant House. Please follow them on Facebook to learn more about this upcoming event.

3/16: Childhood Cancer Survivors Program

2011-03-01T15:59:00.002-06:00

Please click above to learn more about an upcoming program designed to support childhood cancer survivors.

April 30: Race 4 Life in Wausau

2011-02-19T11:07:00.003-06:00

Register today for the North Central Wisconsin Donate Life "Race 4 Life" Scavenger Hunt in Wausau on April 30th, 2011. This is a wonderful annual event that is fun for all ages and benefits great transplant related causes like Restoring Hope Transplant House.

NAWP Madison Raises $1,800 for RHTH

2011-02-18T09:51:00.004-06:00

We are extremely grateful for the fundraising event held Feb 16 at the Madison Club with the Madison Chapter of the National Association of Wedding Professionals. They raised an impressive $1800.00 for Restoring Hope Transplant House.

Photos courtesy of: Amelia John Photographers

Patient Story: Donation Facts

2011-02-17T11:09:00.002-06:00

Learn more about the importance of donation by clicking on the flyer above.

March 3: Alliant Energy Bowling Classic for RHTH

2011-02-17T10:58:00.002-06:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House is very excited to partner with Alliant Energy for their upcoming Annual Bowling Classic on March 3rd. Please click above to learn more about this great event!

Wine Tasting Reminder: March 11th

2011-02-03T14:23:00.002-06:00

A reminder that the Middleton Lions Club Annual Wine Tasting is quickly approaching. This year's event will take place on Friday, March 11th at the Madison Marriott West and once again will benefit area charities including Restoring Hope Transplant House. Click here for more information and to order tickets online.

February Leukemia & Lymphoma Support Groups

2011-02-02T16:01:00.002-06:00

Please click above to learn more about the February Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group Meetings that take place in the Madison area and all around the State of Wisconsin.

Photos: Blizzard Cleanup at RHTH

2011-02-02T11:13:00.000-06:00

Scenes from Restoring Hope Transplant House after the memorable blizzard of February 2011. Thanks to the many gracious people that volunteer their time to care for the grounds all year long, it's a huge help!

Video: Steve Romenesko's Transplant Story

2011-01-31T17:06:00.003-06:00

Here's some video of Green Bay area native Steve Romenesko sharing his transplant story with a group on the UW LaCrosse campus. We first met Steve and his family last year. They're a huge inspiration!

Madison Hospitals Receive National Award

2011-01-28T15:23:00.002-06:00

Madison Hospitals Receive National Award for Organ Donation Efforts

Madison - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Organ Transplantation Breakthrough Collaborative recently recognized St. Mary's Hospital and UW Hospital and Clinics with a National Medal of Honor for their work to improve organ donation rates in Wisconsin.

Representatives of both hospitals were honored at a ceremony in Madison on January 20. They were among 307 hospitals in the country who received this national honor.

To receive this recognition, hospitals must achieve a 75 percent donation rate, meaning that at each of these hospitals at least three-fourths of the people who were eligible to be an organ donor became one.

St. Mary's served seven donors which resulted in 17 organs for transplantation, and UW Hospital served 40 donors resulting in 114 organs donated, from October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010, the timeline reviewed for the 2010 honor.

The UW Health Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), which provides donation services at 104 hospitals in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, had 11 hospitals in their federally designated service area that were eligible to receive the Medal of Honor.

"Our partners at these hospitals are committed to the life-saving gift of organ donation," said Jill Ellefson, executive director at the UW Health OPO. "These professionals recognize the important role they play in serving patients and their families to ensure their gift of life can be honored."

In Wisconsin, almost 1,700 people are currently on the organ waiting list with 40 percent under the age of 50, and 31 under the age of 18.

Because organ donation happens in hospitals throughout the state, the UW Health OPO team, which received a gold medal of honor for their work, travels to hospitals to provide education, leadership, clinical practice and inspiration on organ donation and transplantation best practices.

"Our relationships with our hospital partners are imperative to our state's success," says Ellefson. "Without each hospital's commitment to both ongoing education and sensitive patient communication, the state's organ donation rates would decline and many more people would die while waiting for an organ."

Organ donation facts:

Last year the UW Health OPO worked with 115 donor families, resulting in 443 organs transplanted.
Nationally, more than 110,000 people are on the wait list for a transplant, and a new patient is added to the waiting list every 11 minutes.
Every day in the U.S., 19 people die waiting for their organ transplant.
Up to eight lives can be saved for every organ donor.

To legally authorize organ, tissue and eye donation, register on Wisconsin's Donor Registry at www.YesIWillWisconsin.com .

Even if you already have an orange donor dot on your driver's license, if you haven't registered online or said yes to donation at the DMV since March 29, 2010, please register online today. Tell your family that you support donation, and have registered as a donor.

Date Published: 01/26/2011

UW Health Transplant News

2011-01-18T12:20:00.005-06:00

UW Health Physician Leads National Transplant Organization

MADISON - Dr. Maryl Johnson, medical director of the heart failure and transplantation program at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, has been inducted as president of the American Society of Transplantation, (AST).

AST is an international organization of transplant professionals who are dedicated to research, education, advocacy and patient care in transplant science and medicine. It includes more than 3,000 transplant physicians, surgeons, scientists and allied health professionals.

Johnson joined the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health faculty as professor of medicine and medical director of heart transplant and transplantation. A native of Iowa, she received her medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, where she also completed post-graduate training in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases.

She joined the faculty at Iowa, where she helped establish a cardiac transplant program and later served as its medical director.

Johnson has also held leadership positions in cardiac transplant at Loyola, Rush and Northwestern Memorial in Chicago. Her entire career has been devoted to the treatment of patients with heart failure and those who receive heart transplants.

She has been on the AST board since May 2004 and has chaired and served on numerous committees. She is also past chair of the United Network for Organ Sharing Thoracic Organ Transplantation Committee.

Date Published: 12/22/2010

Leigh Mills Riding in the 2011 Hope Ride

2011-01-18T10:26:00.003-06:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House is thrilled to announce that Leigh Mills of NBC-15 in Madison has agreed to once again speak and ride in our upcoming 2011 Restoring Hope Ride that will take place on Saturday, May 14th at Capital Brewery. Leigh is scheduled to speak prior to the start of the 50K and then join the 50K riders out on the course. Above are some photos from Leigh at the 2010 Restoring Hope Ride. Thanks Leigh!

Tour de Brew Video

2011-01-18T09:59:00.002-06:00

Here's new video from the Tour de Brew event that was held in October of 2010 up in Kimberly, WI. Many thanks again to the Romenesko's and everyone that made this great event possible. Best wishes and good health!

Register Today for the Restoring Hope Ride

2011-01-14T11:27:00.004-06:00

Registration for the Restoring Hope Ride on May 14, 2011 at Capital Brewery is now open via our secure event listing on active.com. Please visit the Restoring Hope Ride website to learn more about the ride, event schedule, courses and sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for spreading the word!

TWI & G.O.A.L. Program

2011-01-14T11:21:00.003-06:00

Please click here to learn more about our friends at Transplant Wisconsin and the G.O.A.L. Program designed to teach grade school children (4th and 5th grades) in WI the importance of organ donation and transplantation.

In Memory of Richard Glesner

2010-12-29T08:43:00.004-06:00

It is with regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Glesner, a member of the Restoring Hope Transplant House board of directors. To his cherished family and dear friends we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers.

We are thankful for his commitment, expertise and compassion for others as he served the vision and passion of Restoring Hope Transplant House. He was a true gentleman and will be missed.

UWHC Bake Sale an Amazing Success!

2010-12-22T10:11:00.004-06:00

Many thanks to the Marrow Transplant Staff on B6/6 for holding their first bake sale fundraiser in support of Restoring Hope Transplant House. The sale was an AMAZING success that raised an incredible $956 with all proceeds going to RHTH. You're a wonderful group...thanks for your friendship and generosity.

Happy Holidays from RHTH

2010-12-09T08:52:00.002-06:00

Best wishes to all of you during this Holiday Season. Thank you for making a difference in our community by supporting non-profit causes like Restoring Hope Transplant House.

Dec. 16: A Time To Give Thanks

2010-12-06T12:51:00.002-06:00

The Holidays are a great time to give thanks. The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin is hosting this upcoming program on December 16th that will give those touched by transplantation the opportunity to thank those people that made a difference in their life or the lives of a loved one. Click the flyer above for more details.

Dec. 7: UWHC Hosting Bake Sale for RHTH

2010-11-19T12:29:00.004-06:00

A group from UW Hospital and Clinics will be holding a Bake Sale on December 7th to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. We're so grateful for the partnership we have with UWHC and the growing friendships we've made with so many of their staff members. You're an amazing group of people...making a difference in our community!

March 11: Wine Tasting Event to Benefit RHTH

2010-11-10T10:49:00.003-06:00

The always popular Middleton Lions Club Annual Wine Tasting event is scheduled for March 11th and will be held once again at the Marriott West in Middleton. All proceeds benefit local charities such as Restoring Hope Transplant House. Please click here to learn more about this event and to order tickets online.

Holiday Art Fair Fundraiser for RHTH

2010-11-03T14:26:00.002-05:00

We're grateful for the generosity of the many "Good Neighbors" that have organized this upcoming Holiday Art Fair. Proceeds will benefit area causes like Restoring Hope Transplant House. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support some great causes!

Porch Repairs Crew

2010-10-26T16:30:00.005-05:00

As a non-profit, Restoring Hope Transplant House, has the need for experienced volunteers to help us with repair work. Pete Szotkowski, our board president and construction expert, made contact with the Blackhawk Church Emergency Response Team as they are known for this type of work. Coordinator David Torkelson came ready with other team members Alex Butz, Robin Carley, Paul Hansen, Wai Keat Tan and Eric Teigen. They gave up their Saturday to work in the rain, fix our rotted, broken porch step rails and added much needed support to one of our columns. What a gifted group of men. They taught us a lot more than construction. We are incredibly grateful.

WKOW & Brian Olson Support RHTH

2010-10-21T12:40:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to Brian Olson and WKOW-TV for their support of Restoring Hope Transplant House. We appreciate your efforts!

2011 Restoring Hope Ride - Save the Date!

2010-10-21T12:23:00.002-05:00

The 3rd Annual Restoring Hope Ride is May 14, 2011. Please save the date and join us again at Capital Brewery in downtown Middleton for another fun event. More news and updates will be posted on the Hope Ride web page - stay tuned!

Visit to Madison Friends House

2010-10-19T10:37:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the group from Madison Friends House that recently welcomed Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst for a visit. They were a real joy to be with and they worked so hard to give this beautiful quilt to us! Thank you all!

Art on the Avenue Event Supports RHTH

2010-10-11T13:03:00.003-05:00

Middleton's first "Art on the Avenue" event was a great success and Restoring Hope Transplant House was honored to be involved in this fun community-minded evening. The event featured a night of artist receptions and live music at 11 locations in the 6600 to 6900 blocks of University Ave. Painting, sculpture, fiber art, wood, ceramics, photography, and fantasy hair design by artists Deb Menz, Demetra Saloutos, Tonya Tubbs, Michelle Olson, Lynn La Luzerne, Elizabeth Solomon, Leona and Linus Rauls, Sally Holl, Tia Marshall, Mary Ellen Sisulak, Todd Leech, Stephanie Craig, Mark Bunge, Debra Bushy, Maron Massey-Collins, Lauren McCann, Sarah Longfield, and Sarah Yeazel. Music by No Busfare Johnson, The Ranting Thespian, Greentone Acappella, Jackie Bradley, Axis, Femme Fatale, and High Tide. Locations include Headlines Salon, Sub Hero, Auntie Em's, Green Earth, Goodwill, Pizza Hut, Hampton Court Salon, Middleton Art & Frame, La Bella Vita, and Bindley Collection Gallery.

A portion of sales from "Art on the Avenue" was donated to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. We're grateful for all of the hard work that went into making this event possible and thankful for the support that has been shown by everyone involved. Middleton truly is the "Good Neighbor City".

Tour de Brew Photos

2010-10-11T11:30:00.002-05:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House would like to thank Bruce Hawley at Tanner's and all of their wonderful staff as well as the Joe Romenesko family and friends for organizing the recent Tour de Brew up in Kimberly, WI, an event that was held to spread awareness for transplant related causes and raise support for Restoring Hope Transplant House. The Romenesko family has faced and continues to face the many challenges associated with transplantation, so we're very grateful for their friendship and support and wish them nothing but good health and best wishes. Many thanks as well to the event sponsors and all of the riders that participated on what turned out to be a challenging day on the weather front. This is yet another great example of a community group making a difference and we're very thankful!

HPCS Deed Day at RHTH

2010-10-01T16:58:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the great group of students and volunteers from HPCS that came to Restoring Hope Transplant House this morning for their annual "Deed Day". What a difference they made around the house this morning! Thank you all!

UW & RHTH: Cooking For A Cause

2010-10-01T11:02:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone that has supported Restoring Hope Transplant House by purchasing a “Cooking For A Cause” cookbook. Members of the UW Transplant Program - Sara Pogue, Lisa Malawski, Erinn Pullen and Sara O'Loughlin, pictured above, recently had the opportunity to present the proceeds from all sales and copies of the book to Executive Director Cindy Herbst (left). We’re extremely grateful to all of the UW Employees that came up with this fun idea and took the time to gather the recipes, organize the cookbook and donate the proceeds to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. Thank you all!

A limited supply of the "Cooking For A Cause" Cookbooks are available for purchase at Restoring Hope Transplant House for $10. For more info, please call Cindy Herbst at (608) 831-1726.

Oct. 1: Art on the Avenue supports RHTH

2010-09-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

Please join us for Art on the Avenue on October 1st. Restoring Hope Transplant House is grateful for your support!

Oct. 2: Tour De Brew Registration Info

2010-09-13T12:04:00.003-05:00

In our travels around Wisconsin, we've been fortunate to meet so many amazing people that have been touched by transplant, like the Romenesko family from the Green Bay area. The Romenesko's are organizing the above Tour De Brew event up in Kimberly, Wisconsin to help spread awareness for transplant related causes and to support Restoring Hope Transplant House. We're grateful for their continued support and friendship and invite you all to join us on October 2nd. Click above to learn more and register.

Oct. 2: Tour De Brew to Benefit RHTH

2010-09-01T08:46:00.006-05:00

We're very excited about the upcoming Tour De Brew event that will take place on October 2nd up in Kimberly, WI and benefit Restoring Hope Transplant House. We hope you're able to join us...stay tuned for more info!

Sept 14: LLS Family Support Group

2010-09-01T08:38:00.003-05:00

Click above to learn more about this opportunity to join with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers for a vibrant discussion of sharing and support.

Photo/Video: Visit to Gift of Life Transplant House

2010-08-30T12:32:00.005-05:00

Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst recently had the opportunity to return to Rochester, Minnesota to visit our inspiration - Gift of Life Transplant House - and their Executive Director Sister Jane Frances Gregoire. It was a wonderful visit and a great opportunity to share ideas as Restoring Hope Transplant House gets closer to going to construction.

Please watch the video below to learn more about Gift of Life Transplant House and to get a better idea of what Restoring Hope Transplant House will soon bring to the Madison area:

Photos: Transplant Support Walk

2010-08-30T11:09:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful weekend it was to participate in Vernon Memorial Healthcare's annual Transplant Support Walk in Viroqua, WI. Thanks to everyone that helped organize this fun event and all of the great supporters for participating. It was great to see you all!

Mustard Day Raises $4,000 for RHTH

2010-08-26T11:01:00.003-05:00

Barry and Patti Levenson from the National Mustard Museum and Mary Schluter from Culver's present Restoring Hope Transplant House Executive Director Cindy Herbst with a check for $4,000 following their recently held National Mustard Day event in downtown Middleton. Funds were raised to support Restoring Hope Transplant House from the extremely popular Mustard Day Games and donations from the free hot dogs that were given out to the thousands of people in attendance on August 7th. Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people that were involved in making this generous donation possible. It was an honor to be involved in such a first-class event.