Sandy Long, from Altoona, Pennsylvania, first came to Family House in 2021 following her diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Accompanied by her mother, Patricia, Sandy underwent a thyroidectomy procedure that included the removal of her thyroid and eight lymph nodes, five of which contained cancer. While she initially followed up locally, complications from COVID and lung issues brought her back to Pittsburgh for ongoing care. Over the past two years, she has returned to Pittsburgh, and to Family House, every three to six months for appointments and monitoring, including yearly ultrasounds to track potential recurrence in her lymph nodes.
From her very first stay, Sandy found comfort and support at Family House. When Family House transitioned to its new Liberty location, Sandy and her mother were initially uncertain about what to expect but were immediately impressed by the welcoming environment, attentive staff, and expanded amenities, including the daily healthy breakfast program. Sandy shared that the nutritious options allowed her to start long appointment days with energy and even provided snacks to take along for later.
Sandy also relied on Family House’s transportation services, noting the free transportations to local hospitals eased the stress of navigating Pittsburgh’s busy streets.
Financially, Sandy benefited from Family House’s family assistance program, which was crucial as she is no longer working and faces the challenges of multiple serious medical conditions. The support of the program allowed her to access essential medical care in Pittsburgh that would have otherwise been difficult to manage.
“Since I am no longer working, if not for the financial assistance at Family House, I wouldn’t have been able to make it work”, mentioned Sandy.
Beyond practical support, Sandy valued the personal touches at Family House. She enjoyed the therapy dogs, quiet library spaces, and lounge areas where she relaxes between appointments. A passionate crocheter, Sandy also created small handmade gifts for other guests, bringing moments of joy and comfort to those facing their own medical challenges.
Sandy described the staff at Family House as genuinely caring, always ready to answer questions, assist with needs, or simply provide a listening ear. She emphasized that these personal connections, combined with the services and amenities, allowed her to focus on her health and well-being during difficult times.
Reflecting on her experiences, Sandy said, “I have nothing negative, only high praises. Everyone there is kind, thoughtful, and truly wants to help. Family House has made a challenging journey so much easier for me and my mom.”
By donating to Family House, you help provide comfort, financial relief, and emotional support to patients and their caregivers when it is needed most.
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