For Liliane, the introduction to Family House began with an unexpected but necessary trip to the emergency room, marking the beginning of a journey, and relationship, that would span decades.
In April of 1998, Liliane traveled to Pittsburgh from Morgantown, WV. Her heart was failing, and medical professionals were unsure if she would survive the trip. Although Liliane received a new heart, she was told that the probability of living beyond six months was slim. Following her surgery, she recovered at Family House Neville, one of three Family House locations at that time. Wearing a hospital gown and connected to a 600-pound heart regulation machine, affectionately nicknamed “Big Mama” by Liliane, she arrived at Family House via the back of a U-Haul truck, understanding that this may be the last move of her life.
“It was a surreal moment, but the staff at Family House welcomed me with open arms and a lot of support,” Liliane recalls from her first visit. “It was truly a miracle to receive so much love from strangers.”
Her experience at Family House Neville was filled with deep connection and thoughtful care. Despite the logistical challenges of the large heart machine, Family House staff quickly accommodated Liliane’s needs, building a custom ramp so that the heart machine could roll smoothly through the front door. That small gesture was just one example of how Family House showed its commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for Liliane.
During her first stay, Liliane found comfort in the simple routines of daily life. She exercised in the fitness room, where the quiet surroundings offered a sense of peace. In the evenings, she and her family would rock together in chairs on the front porch, sharing moments of joy and togetherness. Liliane spent most of her time in the library reading, one of her favorite hobbies. She also cherished the piano in the living room, reflecting on the beloved memories of watching her father play classical music in her childhood home.
Over the following decades, Liliane would find herself staying at all the Family House facilities, including the current Family House location conveniently across from UPMC Shadyside. Despite the seriousness of her medical conditions, Liliane never had to worry about the usual financial or emotional stresses of shared living when she would return to Pittsburgh.
“I have the support of the entire staff at Family House every time I roll in and out of here,” Liliane shared during her most recent visit in April 2025.
Liliane continues to stay with Family House for follow-up visits at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Montefiore, and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Family House continues to provide the care and support that she first experienced, allowing her to focus entirely on healing, spending time with her family, and living a healthy, active life.
Liliane’s experience reflects the shared journeys of many patients and families who have discovered support and healing within the walls of Family House. For more than over half of the organization’s history, Family House has been more than a temporary residence for Liliane: and other families—it has been a “home away from home,” a familiar place of belonging, care, and a peaceful refuge during some of life’s most challenging chapters.
By donating to Family House, you help provide comfort, financial relief, and emotional support to guests like Liliane when it’s needed most.
Support Family House: familyhouse.org/donate
