A perfect match

A perfect match
By LORELEI SAVARYN

August 30, 2009

When Mary Ellen Huwiler learned her friend, Tom Callen, was in need of a kidney transplant, she acted fast.

Huwiler, who has been friends with Callen and his wife, Bonnie, since college, immediately volunteered to be tested to see if she was a donor match.

"Tom and Bonnie are wonderful, giving people," says Huwiler. "Being hooked up to a dialysis machine three days a week is no way to live if there is another option. And if I could possibly be that option, I thought it would be an honor to bring some normalcy back into their lives."

When the results came in, the news was positive: Huwiler was a match.

"What greater gift is there than life?" asks Callen. "I am extremely fortunate andblessed to have such a great friend."

The transplant occurred Oct. 22; today, both Huwiler and Callen are recovering well.

But this wasn’t the first time Huwiler filled a healing need. When Milwaukee’s only faith-based support home for people living with HIV/AIDS closed in 2000, Huwiler saw the gap it would leave in the community. In response, she helped form Common Ground Ministries and Elena’s House. Since 2001, Elena’s House has provided "physical, spiritual and emotional support to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS regardless of religious beliefs, race, gender or sexual orientation."

"I think we’re on this earth to help each other," says Huwiler, of her life’s work.

And when Huwiler was in need of support for Elena’s House, Callen was quick to help. He and the Callen Construction team created the Refashion for Life fundraiser, which came to fruition last July. The event, to be held this year on Thursday, July 9, features a fashion show combining the latest in wearable fashions with fashionable improvements for the home. The event, which benefits Elena’s House, raised nearly $25,000 for the ministry last year, and they are hoping that number will grow this year.

"We are a small ministry doing what we believe is needed," says Huwiler. "The Callens’ efforts have been a true blessing for us."
Refashion for Life

Thursday, July 9

6-10 p.m.

Callen Construction Showroom

W13131 Janesville Road, Muskego

(414) 529-5509 or www.refashionforlife.com

$40

The event features an apparel and home fashion show, complimentary appetizers and desserts, live entertainment, and a silent and voice auction.

http://www.gmtoday.com/content/m_magazine/2009/July/m_0709_16.asp