Mitch Hadinger—known by many back home as “Coach Had”—spent time at Family House with his wife, Carmen, during one of life’s toughest chapters. A beloved athletic trainer and teacher at North Carolina Richmond County’s High School, Mitch was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The man who had dedicated his career to keeping student-athletes safe and strong suddenly found himself in need of care and support.

His treatment required them to stay from their home in Hamlet to be near UNC Hospitals for at least 100 days—just one of many challenges they would face on this journey. Thankfully, the hospital team referred them to Family House.

During their stay at Family House, Mitch was often seen wearing his signature green Richmond gear—a quiet but proud reminder of the community that meant so much to him.

While Mitch underwent treatment in Chapel Hill, Carmen remained faithfully by his side—his constant support and caregiver, holding everything together for both Mitch and their six children.

As Carmen reflects on their time at the Family House, she shares, “The Family House was a true home away from home—affordable, peaceful, and filled with kind staff and volunteers who made a hard time a little easier. What a gift!”

Today, Mitch is feeling stronger each day and continues to recover at home, as his immune system rebuilds after his stem cell transplant.