When Lesha Chapman first learned she would need to travel from Huntington, West Virginia to Pittsburgh for a liver transplant evaluation at UPMC Montefiore, her thoughts immediately turned to the unknown. Navigating the logistics of a five-hour trip, time away from home, and the weight of a serious medical diagnosis felt overwhelming. But in that same moment, her doctor handed her a brochure for Family House. With it came a sense of relief that she hadn’t expected. “The first time we visited was in June of 2024, states Lesha. “In the brochure, I saw the services that were offered, and since we’re almost five hours away from home, it really stood out as a place we needed.”
Lesha arrived at Family House with her husband, Terry, unsure of what the days ahead would bring. From the outside, the building felt familiar, like any hotel. But inside, it was something entirely different. They were welcomed with genuine warmth and a level of care that quickly replaced her anxiety. “From the moment we arrived, it felt homey and welcoming. The staff is so kind and helpful,” said Lesha reflecting on her interactions upon her welcome. Staff members even took the time to listen, answer questions, and even connect Lesha with a UPMC social worker who helped her navigate important medical paperwork.
Practical concerns soon gave way to reassurance. Without a car in Pittsburgh, getting to and from frequent appointments had been a major concern. Family House’s complimentary shuttle service to local UPMC hospitals removed that burden entirely, allowing Lesha to focus on her health instead of transportation.
Throughout her stay, it was often the smallest details that made the biggest difference. “I love that the Daily Healthy Breakfast Program is always available and having coffee on hand every day became such a comfort during long appointments.”
But what stood out most was the sense of community. In shared spaces like dining rooms and lounges, Lesha and her husband found connections and conversations with other guests through time spent working on puzzles and moments of quiet understanding among people facing similar challenges. Visits from therapy dogs brought an added layer of comfort, especially as Lesha missed her own dog back home. “Visiting with the therapy dogs helped us feel connected,” said Lesha. “Those small interactions offered a sense of normalcy during an otherwise uncertain time.”
Volunteers played an equally meaningful role in her experience. One encounter stayed with her. Lesha met Colleen, a volunteer who had walked a similar liver transplant journey. “Meeting Colleen gave me hope and reminded me that I wasn’t alone,” explained Lesha.
That sense of shared experience sparked something deeper within Lesha. One evening, after noticing an exhausted family searching through the Family House pantry for something to eat, Lesha felt compelled to act. So, she and Terry decided to give back in the most personal way they could: by preparing a home-made chili dinner for fellow guests.
It was a simple gesture, but one rooted in compassion and understanding. For Lesha, it wasn’t just about the meal; it was about creating a moment where people could gather, share stories, and feel, even briefly, at home.
Her time at Family House became a source of comfort, connection, and purpose during one of the most challenging chapters of her life. What began as uncertainty transformed into gratitude, and ultimately, a desire to help others feel the same sense of care she had received.
For Lesha, Family House was more than a resource. It was a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, kindness and community can make all the difference.
Your kindness can help patients like Lesha. 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.
