What began as routine treatment for an infection, led to a diagnosis of Stage IV Colon Cancer that left Caring House guest Sherry and her mother, Mary Jane, blindsided. What followed was an unwavering display of a mother’s compassion and dedication.

Mary Jane and her daughter Sherry live outside of Charlotte in Monroe, North Carolina. Mary Jane, a former teacher, notes that her daughter is strong and “sees the light at the end of the tunnel.” Sherry’s strength is evident as she has bravely navigated the storms of this illness with her mother by her side. After talking with her son-in-law, a former Duke employee, Mary Jane and Sherry knew that they were entrusting Duke with Sherry’s delicate care plan.

Mary Jane knew that a two and a half hour drive would prove difficult to make each day, and the two started out staying at a local hotel. “There’s a stark difference in the atmosphere at a hotel. In a hotel you’re around hundreds of people you will never see again. You create a bond with the people here. I find myself staying here instead of going out and exploring Durham and Raleigh.” This is their second stay at Caring House, with a first time stay in October 2023 for three weeks. “Nothing has changed since our first stay in October, except I love it even more!”

Their journey has been both exhausting and inspiring. Balancing the responsibilities of caregiving with her own emotional and physical well-being is no small feat. She remains steadfast in her mission to support Sherry through every step of her treatment, while providing support for the other patients and caregivers at Caring House. “I want to encourage and be encouraged,” she stated, highlighting the reciprocal nature of support that she finds so crucial. It’s not just about receiving help but also about giving it, and that’s exactly what Mary Jane finds within our walls. “Caring House truly is what the name implies; a home away from home where everyone receives loving care.”

You’ll occasionally find Mary Jane reading by the pond or playing cards in the great room with other guests, but the dining room is where she shines. “That is where I’ve had the best conversations. Eating, sharing, it’s a place where everyone feels comfortable. A lot of shared stories in that room.” 

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Written by: Callie Ramsay, Director of Development