The Robert Horen Gift of Life Donor Shabbat

Many years ago, my husband Robert Horen, past President of BZBI was diagnosed with a rare condition, Amyloidosis. After many years of treatment, and a Stem Cell Transplant we were told that his name needed to be placed on the Kidney Transplant list.

February 21, 2006 at 11:00 PM we received a phone call that there was a kidney for Bob. The following day the operation was completed at The University of Pennsylvania Hospital. After knowing that the transplant was a complete success, Oliver became a major part of our family. We gave his kidney a nonsectarian name, as we would never know who his kidney came from.

How fortunate we were when a special lady entered our lives for good. Jan Weinstock a member of BZBI was involved with an organization called the Gift of Life Family House. The three of use forged a very special friendship. She immediately got both of us involved with an organization that is giving people a “Home Away From Home” in Philadelphia when they receive that special call that there is an organ waiting for them. Or, when they have returned to Philadelphia for a check-up following their transplant.

The Family House is located at 4th & Callowhill St. There are 30 private guest rooms, a spacious common living area, large kitchen, fitness center, free shuttle service to and from the hospitals, and so much more. My most special place in the house is a lovely serine garden that has pavers dedicated to people that are involved with the organization, had successful transplants, or the names of loved ones that have passed away.

The Family House has served over 1,300 lodging nights since it opened in 2011.Volunteers have provided over 123,000 meals through the “Home Cook Heroes Program.” One in five families cannot pay even the modest $40.00 nightly fee and they are given support from the “Adopt-A-Family Program.” No one is ever turned away due to lack of funds.

After Robert’s transplant he told Jan that he wanted to begin a tradition of having a Gift of Life Shabbat every year at BZBI. So continues this tradition, and November 19, 2016 will be the special day that we will be fortunate enough to hear from our speaker, a man that went through the ordeal of a transplant and were fortunate to have experienced the warmth of the Gift of Life Family House.

Jan & I look forward to greeting all of you that day.