A Community Effort
Creating a Space of Peace
The Koi Pond has become a landmark at Caring House, providing guests with a peaceful escape to relax and reflect after a day of treatment at Duke Cancer Institute. However, you may have noticed this space has truly blossomed over the last year into a total outdoor oasis – complete with waterfalls and bright, red benches to take in the scenery. This makeover comes to us from the hard work and generosity of some very talented volunteers. Among these giving individuals are Master Garden planners, Cathy Lambe and Cathy Holloran or the “two Cathys” as Sheridan lovingly refers to them. You can often find the two Cathys exploring the grounds at Caring House while making plans for their next big project. “We are so lucky to have them! Over the last year they have truly transformed the outdoor space at Caring House into a relaxing getaway for our guests,” explains Sheridan.
From the very beginning, the water garden has symbolized the love and generosity from our surrounding community. In 1993 the Koi Pond was donated to Caring House by Iris McEwen McCrary Coupland in loving memory of her late husband, John Alexander McCrary, Jr. Iris considered community service the focus of her life and was active in supporting the Duke Cancer Clinic. She was even a Board Member here at Caring House! Iris passed away in 2005, but her legacy of giving lives on through her daughter Katherine McCrary Johnson and Katherine’s husband, Hutch Johnson – both of whom attend Gala and give to Caring House regularly. We are so thankful to Iris and her family for their continuous support.
Thank you to all of our contributors below that donated their time, talent and – you guessed it – flowers! You have truly created a beautiful space that will bring a sense of peace and hope to our guests for many years to come.