What was supposed to be a simple visit to see their son, Spencer, quickly turned into a nightmare for Marcus and Karen Dixon—until they found Family House.
3 minute read
PITTSBURGH, PA (May 20, 2025) On September 19, 2023, Marcus and Karen Dixon’s world was turned upside down. What began as a routine trip from their home in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, to Indiana, Pennsylvania, to visit their son, Spencer, quickly spiraled when they received a call no parent ever expects. Spencer had been in a catastrophic car accident and was being rushed to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh with critical head injuries.
Fear and uncertainty gripped the Dixons’ hearts as they made their way to the hospital. Would Spencer survive? What were his injuries? Would he make it through the life-saving surgery doctors said he needed? These gut-wrenching questions haunted them as they rushed toward Spencer’s bedside.
Upon their arrival at 1:30 a.m., they were met with a heartbreaking reality. Spencer was hooked up to machines, bruised and swollen, yet still alive—a glimmer of hope in the midst of overwhelming fear. But while they found relief in his survival, they knew the road ahead would be long and uncertain. They had no idea how long Spencer’s recovery would take or where they would stay as they navigated these difficult days.
Amid the uncertainty, the Dixons found a refuge in Family House. After speaking with a Housing Coordinator, they were relieved to learn a room was available for them. When they arrived, they were welcomed with open arms. The staff greeted them with kindness, patience, and understanding, offering a sense of comfort and belonging in a time of crisis. One volunteer, sensing their emotional distress, simply held Karen’s hand as she broke down, offering reassurance that they would take things one step at a time.
During the exhausting days at the hospital, Family House became their home away from home. The thoughtful touches—homemade quilts, freshly baked cookies, and reliable transportation to and from the hospital—brought them comfort and allowed them to focus on what mattered most: Spencer’s recovery. The last thing they had to worry about was finding a place to stay in an unfamiliar city.
What truly made Family House special were the people. The Dixons met other guests who were facing their own unimaginable hardships. One morning, as they sat in the breakfast area overwhelmed with worry about Spencer’s future, an elderly woman joined them. She shared her own story of returning to Family House time and again to support her husband through cancer treatments. In that moment, they found solace in each other’s company, shedding tears together and marveling at how, even in their shared suffering, they were not alone.
Thanks to the generosity of Family House’s donors, Marcus and Karen were able to remain close to Spencer during his recovery without the added stress of worrying about where to stay or the financial burden of a hotel. Today, Spencer is nearly fully healed. He’s back at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, skating with his hockey team—a reason for celebration for the entire Dixon family.
The Dixons will never forget the refuge Family House provided during their darkest days. It was more than just a place to stay—it was a sanctuary that allowed them to rest, recharge, and find strength when they needed it most.
The Dixon Family urges others to consider supporting Family House. Your generosity can offer other families, facing their own medical crises, a place to rest and find comfort when they need it most.
The Dixons’ story is a testament to the power of community and the incredible impact that a place like Family House can have during life’s most challenging times.
About Family House
Family House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides a special “home away from home” for patients and their families who are in Pittsburgh seeking medical treatment. Governed by a community Board of Directors, Family House offers convenient, affordable housing to reduce the emotional and financial stress for people facing a medical crisis in a city where they may be strangers.
To learn more about the organization and how to get involved go to www.familyhouse.org.
