About a year ago, Dianne noticed a change in her husband Joe’s personality. He was experiencing mood swings and was angry and sad much of the time. Initially thinking that it could be early on-set dementia, Joe eventually was referred to Dr. Jeremy Rich, a neurologist at UNC Hospitals. Several tests and biopsies eventually came back with the news that Joe had glioblastoma 4, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Hailing from Cameron, North Carolina, about an hour’s drive from Chapel Hill, Joe and Dianne were guests of ours for several weeks while he underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments under the care of Dr. Colette Shen.

“I want to live as long and as comfortably as I can,” Joe shared. To that end, between treatments, he regularly worked out at the nearby UNC Wellness Center – an in-kind service that the gym has been providing for our guests for years. Joe tells us that going to the gym has helped him stay “focused” on getting better.

During their stay here, Dianne has kept busy as well, painting beautiful rocks with inspirational sayings for our garden as well as setting out various whimsical creations. She and Joe have also made donations to the House Wish List.

When asked what staying at Family House has meant to them, Dianne said, “You find that everyone is going through something, so supporting each other makes you and them feel good. We exchange phone numbers and we check in with each other. You feel comfortable here. It’s peaceful here.” She goes on to share “I want Joe healthy and happy. UNC Hospitals seems to be the best place to be treated.”