Michelle (far left), her daughter-in-law, son, and husband

In 2019, Michelle Gleeson received a life-changing diagnosis: myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a rare blood and bone marrow cancer. She was symptomatic for two years with dangerous blood clots in her spleen, aorta, and kidneys before receiving the diagnosis.

Determined to find the best possible care, she began searching for answers. Eventually, she found a specialist four hours from her home in Wisconsin. That specialist encouraged her to take part in a clinical trial since treatment options were limited. Out of a dozen research hospitals participating in the trial in the US, Michelle chose Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem. After acceptance into the trial, the new challenge became how to manage frequent trips required for treatment and participation.

It was a research nurse who first told her about the SECU Family House when she asked about affordable places to stay. Michelle was then referred to the Family House by her medical team, and her first visit in November 2024 lasted an entire month.

When she stepped foot into the Family House, Michelle recalled, “It took my breath away.” She shared, “The Family House is not a hotel. It’s a much softer landing spot when there’s so much uncertainty. I found support, community, grace, and encouragement from staff, volunteers, donors, and other guests. There’s a ripple effect of kindness – that’s the only way I can describe it.”

Michelle would soon find herself traveling every two weeks, often taking three or four flights just to get here, recently enduring a 36-hour layover. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she continues to make the journey holding onto hope and doing everything she can to fight her illness while helping doctors better understand this disease.

Since 2024, the Family House has become an essential part of her care. On the occasions when the Family House is full and she must stay at a hotel instead, she feels the difference. “There’s nothing like the Family House.”

Each visit lasts three to four days, depending on the number of tests, scans, treatments, and recovery time needed. Michelle relies on the shuttle to get to and from her appointments, easing the stress of travel and making it possible for her to fully participate in the clinical trial. She relies on volunteer-provided meals and snacks and loves to visit with therapy dogs. Michelle, who is not naturally artistic, also participates in our Arts + Wellness program when she can.

Her family has also experienced the impact of her home-away-from-home firsthand. On one memorable visit, her husband and son rode their motorcycles all the way from Wisconsin to be with her. Both were deeply moved by what they found…a place filled with warmth, kindness, and care.

When asked by her loved ones what she wants for her birthday or Christmas, Michelle gives a simple answer: a donation to the SECU Family House. She knows firsthand what that support makes possible.

For guests like Michelle, the Family House is more than just a place to stay. It’s a source of strength, connection, and hope — a softer landing in the middle of life’s hardest moments.

Michelle created this piece at an Art & Wellness night at the Family House.