Veteran’s inspiring story leads him to Gabriel House

Bobby proudly served our country for two years rising to the ranks of SP5 in the U.S. Army Helicopter Aviation branch. During his years of service, Bobby spent 13 months in the Vietnam War fighting the Viet Cong and North Vietnam rebels in the country’s jungles. As with many of his fellow soldiers and those living in Vietnam, he began to develop health complications years after the war ended due to exposure to the Agent Orange defoliation chemical used during the conflict, ultimately causing his kidneys to fail.

“I first noticed changes in my health in 1976 and later was diagnosed with hypertension and type II diabetes which were caused by the exposure to the Agent Orange chemicals in Vietnam,” explained Bobby. “I was told in February 2008 that my kidneys were rapidly beginning to fail and I needed to prepare for dialysis treatments and possibly a kidney transplant.”

Shortly after beginning dialysis treatment in August 2008, Bobby began the evaluation process and was eventually placed on the kidney transplant list. Because of his B positive blood type, he was told it could possibly take up to five years or longer to receive a transplant if he couldn’t find a living donor. Bobby received his kidney in January 2014.

During one of his periodic evaluation visits, his social worker informed him and his wife, Gilda, they would need to stay locally for approximately six weeks following his transplant. They were given a list of available lodging options that included Gabriel House and after receiving several high recommendations they decided to give the house a try.

“It was completely different from the house I was expecting to see,” Bobby explained. “It looks just like a hotel but is set up in a way that allows for and encourages interaction and bonding among guests. Although that can be awkward at first, you soon realize it’s the lasting impact of the social contact that is the heart of Gabriel House.”

What struck them the most was how Gabriel House fosters hope, inspiration, spirituality, peace, and ultimate comfort at a time when families need it the most. It offers people a place to come and share their lives with one another for a few months, weeks, or days and help each other in ways they didn’t expect or imagine.

“The Bible says that many are called, but few are chosen. The entire staff and the organizations that support Gabriel House are indeed the ‘Chosen Ones’,” explained Bobby. “Our stay here will be etched in our memory for a lifetime. The impact everyone had on each other was very powerful and far-reaching. Gabriel House is not only a place to recover from a transplant or cancer treatment but also serves as a place to strengthen your entire being.”