gift of life
SPRING/SUMMER 2023
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE A HOME THAT HELPS AND HEALS
Walking with Giants Every day I encounter giants. (And while I am only 5’, I am not talking about stature.) The giants I meet in our hallways and dining rooms and libraries are giants of character – men, women and children who every day move beyond what seems to be impossible odds to accomplish what appears to be impossible goals. I am in awe of them I felt this same awe when I met Justine. Justine is a 15- year- old sophomore who received a heart transplant in January of this year! She is a beautiful, articulate, and poised young woman. Justine exudes a warmth and charisma that belies what she has experienced and been through in her young life. Let me tell you a bit about her! She is an excellent student, receiving the highest or high honors in each quarter and semester during the school year. She has been class president in each of her first two years of high school.
She participates in One Act, Theatre and Forensics and is a member of Badgers United, the Student Council and Hi-Q, an academic quiz competition in northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She was awarded a silver medal in the State Forensics competition during her freshman year. She volunteers in the food booths at the Lions Club Community Picnic. She is a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and served many years as an altar server. She volunteers at the church fish fries, pasty sales and funeral dinners. She enjoys performing and being on stage. She has participated in tap, jazz, hip-hop and lyrical dance at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio. She holds a part-time job in the daycare program for the school district and she lists her hobbies as baking, hunting, being outdoors, ATV riding, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.