Gift of Life's Beginnings

	Edward Pompeian and his mother, Helen, in the Judd House living room, May 2002

In 1973, Edward Pompeian received "the gift of life," a kidney, from his mother, Helen. Ed’s personal experience with transplantation and the experiences of those he befriended during his illness quickly led him to believe that the health and well being of these patients and families would be better served by living in a home-like setting.

For years after his transplant, Pompeian worked with three Mayo Clinic Rochester employees, Mary Davie, Dr. Sylvester Sterioff, and Greg Warner, to build support in the community and collect funds for a house down payment. Finally, in December 1984, Gift of Life, Inc., officially opened its doors in a three-story, eight-guest-room, Craftsman-style house at 624 West Center Street, Rochester. The demand for Gift of Life’s hospitality grew quickly.

In 1988, more space was needed, so the convent at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rochester, was leased. This brought our total guest-room capacity to 21. In 1991, an executive director and a facilities manager were hired, and with the dedication of many, Gift of Life, Inc., embarked on planning for a larger home.

In 1994, just ten years after opening its doors, Gift of Life’s Board of Directors purchased the Judd house, near downtown Rochester and a mere five blocks from Mayo Clinic. Renovation of the Judd house and construction of a north-side wing to the house began immediately. More recently, in 2000, a west wing was added, bringing the total guest-room count to 48. These expansions to the original house also created much needed space for staff offices, an elevator for full access to the four floors, guest and staff laundry rooms, a residence for the night manager, a computer lounge, and many other features.

In December 2002, the west wing of the House was renamed in honor of our friend and benefactor, Norman L. Gillette, Jr., owner of Pepsi-Cola Bottling, Rochester/LaCrosse. Gillette, who had a kidney transplant in 1968, has never lived at the House. Yet he came to know our founder, Edward Pompeian, while both were dealing with their transplants, and Norm and his family have been strong supporters of Gift of Life ever since!