One of our first actions after the chapter was formed was to define goals for the group.  Aside from promoting donor awareness, we learned that there was a real need for temporary housing for patients and their caregivers who are awaiting a transplant or who must be near the hospital for an extended amount of time post-transplant.  Many people who come to Scott and White Medical Center for transplant surgery are not local residents.  Staying in a nearby hotel is expensive, and they are isolated from others who may be experiencing similar feelings and problems associated with transplant surgery.  We wanted to provide a community setting that was affordable.  To find out what such accommodations might be like, members visited the local Ronald McDonald house, Nora’s Home in Houston, and Twice Blessed in the Dallas.