When Téa received the call, she knew her best friend, Rachel, was facing a life-changing moment. Diagnosed in 2024 with metastasized abdominal cancer, Rachel had already undergone months of treatment in Toronto, Canada. After an attempted surgery in Toronto was unsuccessful, she was told there were no further surgical options.
But Rachel wasn’t ready to stop searching. Through a family connection, she was introduced to a surgeon at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, offering hope in a frightening time.
As Rachel began planning her trip to the U.S., one question loomed: who would accompany her? With a husband and two young children at home, and parents unable to travel, the situation was uncertain. Her childhood friend Téa stepped in to be the support person Rachel needed. The two had been best friends since age 11, their bond spanning decades, countries, and life changes. Though Téa now lives in Ottawa, originally from Croatia, their connection remained unshakable.
In February 2026, Téa and Rachel traveled to Pittsburgh for an exploratory procedure, and then again for a major surgery that required a longer stay. During their time in the city, Téa stayed at Family House, located just steps from the hospital where Rachel was receiving care. What she found there went beyond convenience. Family House was not a hotel, but a compassionate community and a place where everyone understood why they were there.
From the moment Téa checked in, the sense of care was evident. The staff and volunteers provided a welcoming and understanding environment, ensuring that guests had a soft place to land during an extremely stressful time. Proximity made all the difference. Rachel spent nearly two weeks in the hospital following her surgery, and being directly across the street allowed Téa to be present every day without the added stress of transportation or distance. This balance between being present and having the chance to recharge became essential for Téa as a caregiver.
In a time defined by uncertainty, it was the small, thoughtful gestures at Family House that stood out. Freshly baked cookies at the end of a long day, therapy dog visits during a quick break, and bouquets of donated flowers brought brightness to any room. Even the daily breakfast offered comfort and normalcy, with a well-stocked and healthy selection that made one less thing to worry about. Beyond amenities, Téa noticed the sense of community among guests, staff, and volunteers. The kindness and understanding that permeated every interaction created a supportive environment for those navigating difficult circumstances.
Rachel’s journey took her far from home, both physically and emotionally, but Family House provided stability and care amid the uncertainty. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to get to the hospital made a significant difference for both Rachel and Téa. Despite the circumstances, their experience left a lasting impression and made their time in Pittsburgh as positive as possible under the circumstances. “Family House isn’t just a place to sleep,” Téa said. “It’s comfort and convenience during genuinely scary times.”
Today, Rachel is back home in Toronto, healing and preparing for a return to normalcy and the next chapter of her life. Both she and Téa hope to one day return to Pittsburgh under different circumstances for a more typical visit.
By supporting Family House, donors give guests one less thing to worry about, allowing them to focus on health, family, and healing.
At Family House, every stay tells a story. For Téa and Rachel, it’s a story of friendship, resilience, and finding kindness when it’s needed most.
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
