Beginnings

In 1973 Edward Pompeian received "the gift of life," a kidney, from his mother, Helen. Ed’s personal experience with transplantation led him to believe that the health and well being of transplant patients and their 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. In December 1984, Gift of Life, Inc., officially opened with a three-story, eight-guest-room, Craftsman-style house at 624 West Center Street, Rochester. Requests for rooms grew quickly.

In 1988, the convent at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rochester, was leased to help meet needs. Guest-room capacity increased to 21. In 1991, an executive director and a facilities manager were hired, and plans for a larger home were drafted.

In 1994, Gift of Life’s Board of Directors purchased the Judd house, near downtown Rochester and five blocks from Mayo Clinic. Renovations along with adding a north-side wing to the house began immediately. In 2000, a west wing was added, bringing the total guest-room count to 48. December of 2002, this wing 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 though became well acquainted with our founder Edward Pompeian as they each dealt with their transplants.

In November 2009, a second house opened across the street from the main campus.  The additional 36 guest rooms at the “724” house makes the Gift of Life the largest transplant house program in the country. From its beginnings to today providing a supportive, home-like environment which patients and family members can find comfort is our mission.