Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way

Due to the unpredictable nature of the transplant journey, many families uproot their lives in an instant with little time to prepare. When arriving at Transplant House of Cleveland, most transplant patients and caregivers bring only the essentials – food, clothing, and a few personal belongings.

That’s why our fully furnished apartments are stocked with household essentials and comforting touches that help families feel at home during an incredibly difficult time. We could not provide those necessities without the generosity of our community and the support of in-kind donations.

Recently, former house guests Jill and Donna gave back and donated essential supplies for our apartments, helping us keep all 37 units stocked with cleaning supplies, coffee, snacks and other items that our guests will not have to buy themselves. These thoughtful donations make a meaningful difference for transplant patients and caregivers navigating long days, uncertain times, and life-changing circumstances.

Often, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that ease the emotional weight families carry. Knowing someone took the time to think about their needs – both big and small – reminds our guests that they are supported every step of the way. Thank you, Jill and Donna, for helping us create a welcoming home away from home for the families we serve.

Less Than One Month Away!

5K Run 1 Mile Walk

Sunday, June 14th at Rockefeller Cultural Gardens

Are you interested in some friendly competition before the event even starts? With the option to join a team, create your own, or individually fundraise, there is something for everyone.

Top fundraisers are featured on our fundraising page. Teams can win prizes for having the most participants, raising the most funds, and being the most spirited team. There is still time!

This event cannot run successfully without the help of our incredible volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in lending a hand, sign up here!

You do not need to participate in the event in order to fundraise. Help us hit our $45,000 goal! We are already 92% of the way there!

Thank You, Allogen Labs!

We wanted to give a shoutout to Mary Libby and Ray Jurcago from Allogen Laboratories at the Cleveland Clinic for their continued support of the House. Earlier this month, they brought in goodie bags for our guests to make their days a little brighter. In addition, as part of their annual Medical Laboratory Appreciation Week, their team hosts a Charity Raffle benefitting the House.

We are grateful for their commitment to supporting transplant patients and caregivers.

We Are Looking For Volunteers!

Transplant House is looking for a few volunteers to help with outdoor work, including:

Raking and bagging leaves
Blowing debris from permeable paver parking lot
Pulling ivy off our buildings
Pulling weeds
Planting flowers, on occasion

This volunteer work can be done on a schedule of one’s choosing, but if our tools are needed, it must be M-F from 9-5 or weekends from 12-4.

If you are interested, please contact Raaven Rush at volunteer@ transplanthouseofcleveland.org

Save the Date!

Garden Party

October 8th from 5-8PM

Join us out on the lawn for an evening of fun and fellowship in support of our continuing care for patients and caregivers on a challenging medical journey.

Registration details to come. Check back on our events page closer to the date for more details.

Happenings Around the House

Transplant Topics

At the end of April, we had the privilege of hosting a panel of speakers featuring our partners from Transplant House, Lifebanc, University Hospitals, and the Cleveland Clinic. Together, they shared their expertise and unique perspectives, helping to deepen understanding of the transplant journey from every angle.

Hearing from past guests brought that experience to life. Their stories were powerful reminders of what transplantation makes possible– a second chance at life, more time for meaningful milestones, and the ability to be there for the people who matter most.

We are incredibly grateful to be a small part of these journeys.

More Happenings Around the House

So far in 2026, Your Support Has Made Possible...

Ring that Bell!

It is once again time to ring the bell! We recently said a fond farewell to Mike and his caregiver, Sharon.

Bell ringings are a special celebration for transplant patients – a moment of reflection to look back upon hardship, resilience, and overcoming challenges alongside their loved ones. For Mike, this moment was no different. He headed back to Toledo with a newfound appreciation for his gift of life and a renewed sense of hope.

Because of Mike’s donor, he now has the opportunity to move forward into this next chapter. We hold gratitude for his donor family and keep them in our hearts. Without their selfless decision, this milestone would not have been possible.

Congratulations, Mike – we are honored to have been part of your journey. We wish you and Sharon all the best in the days ahead!

If you are not already a registered organ donor, please consider becoming one today.

Transplant Anniversaries

1/3/2013 - Jennifer Ackerman

1/10/2010 - Joanmarie Button

1/10/2020 - Derek Sleman

1/15/2020 - Johnathan Cain

1/21/2019 - Ken Vogelsong

1/21/2021 - Paul Bass

1/21/2021 - Doug Bass

1/22/2022 - Julio Zavala

1/27/2016 - Karen Scheidel

1/30/2024 - Michael Finn-McKenzie

1/31/2017 - Donna Kovacs

2/7/2002 - Candice Monroe

2/7/2022 - Bruce Bradshaw

2/7/2022 - Tara Prouty

2/7/2022 - Noland Williams

2/17/2021 - Mark Wilkins

2/19/2017 - Melissa (Kelly) Hopewell

2/15/2023 - Karen Klos

3/1/2015 - Robert Truslow

3/5/2022 - Randy Cooke

3/8/2014 - Ron Shortridge

3/12/2021 - Jim Fortuna

3/18/2002 - Joyce Merkel

3/18/2019 - Michael Adams

3/28/2001 - Louis Seidensticker

3/31/2017 - John Hurd

4/2/2022 - Pam Fidler

4/3/2022 - Jane Mahoney

4/6/2021 - Brian Holmes

4/10/2021 - Bob Bruno

4/13/2015 - Matthew Miller

4/17/2022 - Alan Flanigan

4/18/2022 - Alan Flanigan

4/21/2019 - David Samons

4/22/2021 - Paul Priebe

4/29/2025 - Tavie Rowe

5/4/2019 - Jim Krebs

5/10/2011 - Darrell Pauley

5/13/2021 - Lynn Berotti

5/14/2021 - Michael Heileman

5/17/2018 - Mark Wells

5/17/2021 - Elizabeth Turner

5/19/2021 - Vito Suppa

5/21/2021 - Angela Easter

5/22/2021 - Linda Uehlein

5/30/2017 - Julie Magnini

6/1/2001 - Paul Zaborowicz

6/4/2015 - Ferman Milster

6/7/2021 - Denny Felver

6/7/2021 - Aidan Yamashita

6/7/2021 - Denny Felver

6/7/2021 - Aidan Yamashita

6/10/2004 - Pat Summers

6/16/2021 - Keith Young

7/15/2017 - Bob Weller

7/16/2004 - Jennifer Smith

7/17/2021 - Chris Pemberton

7/18/2021 - Chris Pemberton

7/28/2020 - Tim Krebs

8/11/2022 - Richard Gibson

8/23/2011 - Jerry Wichtel

9/2023 - Mark Hall

9/2023 - Robbie Parks

9/2023 - Denny Fox

9/2/2024 - Jane Williams

9/4/2020 - Jack Goltz

9/10/2021 - Dennis Hall

9/16/2016 - Jim Bagent

9/17/2014 - Jane Williams

9/20/2020 - Kathryn Edmond

9/24/2021 - Gene McNamara

9/25/2020 - Steve Brill

9/26/2000 - Bob Weller

9/27/2011 - Michael Hall

9/27/2018 - Karen Obermayer

10/2/2019 - Tammy Blair

10/4/2001 - Alan Flanigan

10/6/2020 - Maria Szarpa

10/6/2015 - Tonya Blalock

10/8/2023 - Alan Maas

10/10/2019 - Darlene Forsythe

10/11/2023 - David Stay

10/17/2021 - Joe Buchanan

10/18/2021 - Dale Heltzel

10/19/2021 - Dale Heltzel

10/22/2014 - Josh Hahn

10/22/2014 - Hartley Hutchins

10/22/2021 - Tom Pitts

10/26/2021 - Chelsea Vining

10/27/2017 - Mike Komula

10/28/2022 - Jamie Phillips

10/31/2020 - Richard Sell

11/4/2019 - Vicki Posner

11/5/2019 - Gary Prince

11/11/2015 - Kati Kaup Gregory

11/14/2022 - Jim Dariano

11/17/2006 - Leonard Snell

11/19/2014 - Macy Szucs

11/19/2021 - Brandon Troyer

11/22/2020 - Tyler Carroll

11/23/2018 - Fran Peach

12/8/2019 - Ron Castina

12/8/2020 - Jeffrey Eckerd

12/2/2012 - Randy Oyaski

12/10/2014 - Danny Burns

12/10/2016 - John Fetters

12/14/2022 - Martin Riessen

12/18/2023 - Jayme Dean

12/21/2023 - Mark Hatch

We want to help celebrate transplant anniversaries!

To add an anniversary to this list please respond to this email.

Thank you to all our 2025 Gala Sponsors!

Thank you to all our 2025 5k Run 1 Mile Walk sponsors!