Gettysburg Family Receives Unexpected Gift, Enabling Continued Medical Journey
Julie Hower of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and her family received a life-changing gift this week: a brand-new 2025 Honda HR-V Sport Edition. The giveaway, hosted by Members 1st Federal Credit Union, was the culmination of the organization’s 75th-anniversary celebration and its largest giveaway to date.
The gift isn’t simply about transportation for the Howers; it’s about access to critical medical care. Their young son, Charlie, is undergoing treatment for brain cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee – a nearly 2,000-mile round trip from their home. Over the past four years, the family has made approximately 20 such journeys, and their aging vehicle was becoming increasingly unreliable.
Hower’s entry into the contest expressed the profound impact a new car would have on their lives, stating it would put her family “on a path to health.” She explained that dependable transportation was no longer a convenience, but a medical necessity. The presentation took place on December 30 at Members 1st headquarters in Enola, Pennsylvania.
A Contest Rooted in Community Stories
The car giveaway ran from November 19 to November 25, inviting Pennsylvania residents aged 18 and older with a valid driver’s license to share how a new vehicle would transform their lives in 2026 and beyond. A committee of Members 1st associates carefully reviewed more than 4,000 entries, ultimately selecting Hower as the winner.
“It was really difficult,” said Sara Firestone, vice president of community and public relations at Members 1st. “We heard from so many people with deeply personal stories—families facing illness, financial strain, and unexpected hardships. Our team approached every response with care, focusing on who could benefit the most.”
The entries revealed a wide range of needs and aspirations, from essential transportation for work and family to dreams of long-awaited road trips. However, Hower’s story resonated deeply with the selection committee due to the urgent and critical nature of her family’s situation.
A History of Support Comes Full Circle
The moment held particular significance for Hower, as Members 1st had previously played a pivotal role in her financial journey. When she was a teenager, the credit union approved her first auto loan without requiring a cosigner, establishing a long-standing relationship.
“She said she was so grateful because Members 1st took a chance on her,” Firestone recalled. “How symbolic and fitting that it came back around, that she was now selected as the winner of the car giveaway. That really showcases the credit union difference and the longevity we have with our members.”
During a recent trip to St. Jude, the family’s vehicle sustained damage from road debris, forcing them to unexpectedly spend a night in a hotel. This incident underscored the vital importance of reliable transportation while navigating the challenges of Charlie’s treatment.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Gratitude
Charlie, already thinking about the possibilities the new car unlocks, expressed his excitement about future trips. He shared his desire to visit Florida to see Peppa Pig and to explore the beaches of Cape Cod. When presented with the red SUV, his first practical question was about trunk space, ensuring there would be room for all the family’s belongings.
Hower expressed her gratitude, noting that the red exterior was her favorite color because it’s easier to spot on the road. She also wrote in her entry that she hoped the new car would allow them to celebrate Charlie finishing his treatment “with honor and bravery, even though he will never be cured.”
Michael Wilson, president and CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, emphasized the importance of celebrating the people and stories that have shaped the organization over its 75-year history. “This car giveaway has been one of the most meaningful ways for us to say thank you and help someone take a step toward their financial goals,” he said.
Firestone reflected on the impact of the event, stating, “That day really was the top of all of them. It was very impactful for all of us.”
