gift of life
FALL/WINTER 2021
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE A HOME THAT HELPS AND HEALS
The Power of Family When JoAnn Volker came to work at Gift of Life Transplant House in January 2019, she quickly became part of the Gift of Life “family”. As our database clerk, she made sure that information was correctly entered, donations were acknowledged and the database was always up to date. As time went on, JoAnn learned how to take on the duties of a fill-in receptionist. Her pleasant personality made it easy for guests and caregivers to connect with her. We soon learned just how deep that connection to Gift of Life Transplant House was when Jo, as we like to call her, revealed that she was a kidney transplant recipient. In April 2007, Jo learned unexpectedly that she had kidney failure and just like that, JoAnn joined another family –
the transplant community. Her daughter, Tami, tested to be her living donor and was a match. The day of transplant is always a big day, but just a few hours before her surgery was scheduled, JoAnn learned that her daughter, Jenni, was in labor and about to give birth to a granddaughter. She and Tami greeted Jenni early that morning in August. At 6:50am, baby Haili was born and an hour later, Dr. Prieto and the transplant team had removed Tami’s kidney and were proceeding with the transplant for Joann. The transplant was a success and Tami’s kidney was producing! Being the doctor that he is, Dr. Prieto arranged a special “tour” of the hospital, allowing Jenni and new baby Haili to visit Tami in her room and Grandma JoAnn in her room. Through the years, Jo has worked hard to maintain her