Transplant House is a Seattle-based non-profit helping people and families in need of safe, convenient and affordable housing for pre and post-transplant recovery.

Employee Spotlight: Liz Truong

How long have you been working at Transplant House? Why did you joined?

Liz has been working at Transplant as Executive Director since February 2012.  This is the first official paid position for Transplant House.  Her background is working with non-profit organization for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DNA).  Liz wanted to move to smaller organization for bigger impact and apply the big organization best practices.  She is very passionate about accomplishing the vision of Transplant House and the board of directors in the Pacific Northwest.  One of her goals is to provide the best support system for the patients during their most stressful times.  I feel that Transplant House is in good hands with Liz as she is driving a lot of the initiatives.  She is constantly thinking of new ideas to better serve the patients.  Her attention to detail and authenticity to learn more about the transplant process and medical needs will really drive the mission of Transplant House.   

What is the most rewarding part of working for Transplant House?

It’s important to understand that generally patients prefer to remain closed off during the volatile times.  They are in new surroundings and a city without their support system such as families, friends and so on.  Most of the young patients only get to spend time alone with families that move out here. Asking help can be difficult and awkward for most people.  The number one thing on their mind is hoping for the organ to arrive.  Therefore, it takes a tremendous amount of trust to include you in their circle.  Liz feels very blessed to serve them and be part of their lives.  She enjoys providing more human connection and interaction for the patients.     

What do you hope for Transplant House in the future?

Liz encourages everyone to take part in the annual auction in November.  This is an important auction to help expand number of apartments for patients.  Her goal is that someday Transplant House will be able to expand to serve patients beyond the UW hospital network.  There are also plenty of volunteering opportunities at the Transplant House.  Housing ambassador volunteers get a chance to mingle with patients, help resolve issues at the apartments or just hang out with patients.

Seattle Foundation GiveBig - One Day Only

Today is GiveBig! A one-day only event, which your donation is matched by the Seattle Foundation. I'm helping promote Transplant House, a local organization who helps people with affordable housing while they wait for their organ. Sometimes is weeks, sometimes it's months. Please consider donating to this great organization!

http://www.seattlefoundation.org/npos/Pages/TransplantHouse.aspx

Volunteer Spotlight: Maggie Kim

How long have you been involved with Transplant House? Why did you get involved?

Maggie has been a Transplant House volunteer for the past two years as an ambassador. Her primary responsibility is to be the "go-to" person for the patients and their families in the apartments she ambassadors. She checks in with each family frequently to make sure things like the appliances, utilities and furniture are running smoothly and are in good condition in the apartments. She tries to help if possible with unforeseen details that often come up as each family is getting situated and comfortable in their new home. Maggie started volunteering after having two liver transplants in 2009 at the University ofWashington Medical Center. Being a patient herself, she can relate with other patients about the experience, and can only imagine the extra burden and stressof having to pack up and temporarily relocate to another city for the transplant and recovery.

What is the most rewarding part of volunteering for Transplant House?

Maggieis constantly inspired by the transplant families as they are incredibly resilient, strong, loving and grateful people going through tough times with serious health problems. She feels very rewarded to get to meet them and help them during the special time when they are either waiting for their transplant and/or recovering after the transplant. Maggie mentioned that one of the best parts of volunteering is seeing the young patients who have received their organ transplant start living the next very different chapter of their life. It is a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life such as being healthy, family and friends.

What do you hope for transplant patients in the future?

Maggie wishes that transplant patients still waiting for an organ keep their hope and faith and know that they are the strongest people. She hopes that transplant patients who have received their gift of life recover well and quickly, and that they thoroughly enjoy their new life and sharing their magical experience with others.