This document summarizes the story of Jora, a young girl from Kosovo, who received life-saving heart surgery in the United States through the Gift of Life program. It describes her stay with a Rotary host family on Long Island, New York, who cared for her before and after her surgery. It highlights activities like visiting local Rotary clubs, going to the aquarium, celebrating Halloween, and enjoying time with her host family. It expresses gratitude to the host family and Rotary for making Jora's recovery possible.

1. 2013 Rotary
Gift of Life Recipient

2. Meet Jora

3. And Jora’s mom
Talia Atdhetare

4. Rotarians welcoming
Jora and Talia in NY

7. Herb and Wendy’s home
in Manorville, NY

8. Herb and Wendy Smalls
Rotary Host Family

9. And their family

10. Jora’s first visit to the Rotary Club
of Shirley and the Mastics with
representatives from Gift of Life
and the Moriches Rotary Club

12. Tri-Hamlet
newspaper
covers
the story

14. Getting cleared for surgery

15. In the waiting room at
St. Francis Hospital

16. Meeting Dr. Levchuck

17. Followed
by lunch
Toscanni’s,
Port Washington

18. New York pizza is great!

20. A visit to the Port Washington Aquarium

21. Halloween 2013

22. Before the costumes ?

23. One idea
for a
costume…

24. But Jora
decides
to be
a princess

25. Time for candy!

26. Time with friends

28. Dr.
Levchuck
St. Francis
Hospital
November 6, 2013

29. Both
mom and
daughter
were very
brave and
in good
spirits

30. Just after surgery enjoying some macaroni
and cheese – Jora’s favorite….

31. Getting some rest

32. Fun after surgery

33. Life is
great at
Chucky
Cheese

35. Say
cheese!

36. Relaxing in the backyard

37. Jora loves
Hello
Kitty

38. And riding a bike

39. And dogs

40. And football Sundays

41. Visiting Rotary Clubs

42. Rotary Club of Islip

45. Rotary Club of Patchogue

46. Rotary Club of Amityville

47. Rotary Club of Shirley and the Mastics

48. Finding a “family”
through Rotary

54. A visit to a Westhampton
Rotary family

55. Westhampton
Beach Marina

57. Westhampton Beach, New York

58. A chilly trip to
Westhampton beach

59. Ladakins Restaurant

61. Presents for Jora

62. And a special cake

63. Time to go home…

66. Thank you
Wendy and Herb

67. A message from Talja
Thank you for your hospitality and allowing us
to stay in your home for the last three weeks.
We had a wonderful time in your lovely home.
The meals you prepared were delicious.
You made us feel like family the entire time we
were there. From the bottom of my heart i
want to thank you, your family and friends for
treating us so well.
Please let us know if you can visit us in Kosova
so we can share our home with you. We look
forward to seeing you again. We are already
missing you guys xoxoxo
Lots of love from Talja & Jora

68. Welcome home
to Kosova Jora

69. Back to
school
Thank you
Rotary