Finding “Framily” in an Unfamiliar Place: Bob and Tricia’s Story
For Bob and Tricia Monigle, the phrase “in sickness and in health” isn’t just part of their wedding vows, it’s a promise they’ve spent decades living out together.
Together, they’ve navigated careers, parenthood, and life’s challenges. However, nothing could have fully prepared them for the medical journey that would eventually bring them to Pittsburgh, and Family House.
Bob 3.0
Bob often jokes that he’s currently living as “Bob 3.0.” “It’s my way of keeping track of the number of times I’ve nearly died,” he said with a laugh.
This latest version of Bob began in 2025, when a condition called Common Variable Immunodeficiency with Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (CVID-GLILD) became increasingly severe.
Essentially, the disease was causing his lungs to become fibrotic and lose their ability to function properly.
Early on, the symptoms were manageable: a persistent cough and fatigue that arrived sooner than expected. Throughout his treatment with the pulmonary team at the University of Rochester in New York, discussions about a possible lung transplant occasionally surfaced, but it always seemed like a distant possibility.
“The transplant was always way down the road,” Bob recalled.
By the summer of 2025, however, it became clear that the road was getting much shorter.
Portable oxygen was prescribed at low levels, but as summer turned to fall, Bob’s oxygen requirements steadily increased. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, his employer generously allowed him to work remotely as his health declined.
“We began noticing things weren’t getting any better,” Tricia said.
A Stark Realization
The decision was eventually made to pursue transplant evaluation, and Bob and Tricia chose UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.
During the first week of December 2025, they traveled to Pittsburgh for what would become their first stay at Family House.
Over ten days, they completed an exhaustive schedule of testing, evaluations, and appointments. The results delivered difficult news.
“If a transplant didn’t occur, I had about a year to live,” Bob said.
After the initial shock wore off, they returned home to Rochester and began preparing for the future.
But Bob’s body had other plans.
In late February 2026, Bob’s condition suddenly took a serious turn. One morning, he struggled to catch his breath, and Tricia rushed him to the hospital in Rochester, where he was admitted to intensive care. Doctors quickly determined that he needed specialized treatment in Pittsburgh and arranged for an emergency helicopter transport after several ambulance companies were unable to make the trip.
Once in Pittsburgh, Bob was placed on advanced life support while waiting for donor lungs. An initial transplant opportunity fell through, but on Friday, March 13, 2026, the day that Bob now calls his “lucky day”, a second donor match became available. The next morning, he underwent a successful 14-hour double lung transplant that gave him a new lease on life.
Fueled by determination and a positive outlook, Bob exceeded expectations throughout his recovery. After weeks of intensive care, rehabilitation, and therapy, he was discharged from the hospital on April 9 and reunited with Tricia at Family House, where they continued the next chapter of his recovery together.
A Home Away From Home
With months of follow-up appointments ahead and a few unexpected medical setbacks along the way, Bob and Tricia knew they would need to remain in Pittsburgh for an extended period.
Family House essentially became their home. Family House staff worked quickly to accommodate his ongoing medical needs by moving the couple into a room with two twin beds and additional space for equipment.
“They were phenomenal,” Tricia said. “We were so overwhelmed with everything we were learning.”
The Daily Healthy Breakfast program, transportation options, communal kitchen, therapy dogs, and supportive staff all made a difference. But for both Bob and Tricia, the greatest gift was the community they found.
Finding “Framily”
One day, a Family House staff member encouraged Tricia to attend a support group.
Her answer perfectly captured what Family House had already become.
“I told her, ‘This family dining room is my support group.'”
After long days at the hospital, caregivers and patients gathered around tables, sharing meals, stories, fears, and victories. Over time, strangers became friends. Those friends became family. Tricia even created a word for it.
“Framily,” she said. “Friends who have become family.”
The couple still keeps in touch with many of the people they’ve met during their stay.
The Rock Through It All
While Bob’s transplant may have saved his life, he is quick to point out that he didn’t make it through the journey alone.
Bob credits Tricia with being his constant source of strength throughout the entire experience. “She’s been my rock,” he said.
Every day she visited him in the hospital. She managed paperwork, insurance, remote work responsibilities, and countless logistical details. She continued working remotely while serving as caregiver, advocate, coordinator, and partner.
Together, they faced every challenge that came their way. And together, they found a second home at Family House.
A Message of Gratitude
Bob and Tricia departed Pittsburgh and Family House in September 2026, nearly 8 months after their initial arrival. The couple are both at home, and Bob has resumed working remotely part-time. They both plan to return to Pittsburgh and Family House in November for Bob’s next check-up appointment.
When asked what they would say to the donors and supporters who make Family House possible, their answer comes without hesitation.
“Thank you,” Bob said. “Keep going. Keep it up.”
“We wouldn’t be where we are right now if it weren’t for Family House,” Tricia said.
And for Bob and Tricia Monigle, that’s not just a statement of gratitude.
It’s the truth.
By donating to Family House, you help provide comfort, financial relief, and emotional support to patients and their caregivers when it is needed most.
Support Family House: familyhouse.org/donate
