Designing for JoyRX: Transforming the Children’s Cancer Associations Caring Cabin Pavilion

A Passion for Children in the Community

Where can families find solace when navigating the immense challenges of childhood illness? In a world often filled with hospital visits and medical treatments, moments of peace, connection, and simple joy become invaluable. Nestled within 24 acres of serene Oregon Coast woodlands lies a unique haven dedicated to providing just that: the JoyRx Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin.

Recently, we had the distinct honor of contributing to this sanctuary through a special pro bono project. Driven by a deep belief in the power of design to nurture and heal, and my connection as a member of the JoyRx Pacific Northwest Leadership Council for three years, we were able to transform of the cabin's meditation pavilion, enhancing its mission to provide joy and respite for children facing serious illness and their families.

A Mission of Joy, A Haven in Nature

Before diving into the design, it’s essential to understand the heart behind the Caring Cabin. It’s part of JoyRx (founded as Children’s Cancer Association in 1995 by the Ellis family after losing their daughter Alexandra), an organization with an extraordinary vision for pediatric support. JoyRx brings moments of joy back into the lives of sick kids through free-of-charge Music, Mentorship, and Nature programs, helping them feel like kids again, even during life’s toughest moments.

The Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin, a cornerstone of the JoyRx Nature program, embodies this mission. It offers families a precious opportunity to disengage from the demanding world of appointments and treatments. Here, surrounded by tranquil wildlife and a serene lake, they can simply breathe, reconnect, and create lasting memories. The recent refresh of the meditation pavilion, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, aimed to further enhance this vital space of peace.

The Transformation: Crafting a Sanctuary of Tranquility

This was a passion project – being able to help enhance an already amazing space was a true honor. The vision was clear: create a space that deeply resonated with the cabin's healing surroundings. We really wanted to capture the healing connection to nature – from the forest to the lake to the coast, in our design

This vision came to life through thoughtful details:

Mural by Megan Dragon

• Nature's Embrace: The design intentionally draws the calming essence of the Oregon Coast landscape indoors. Colors, textures, and materials were chosen to evoke the surrounding forest, the tranquil lake, and the nearby coastline, creating a seamless connection to the natural world outside.
  
  

• A Masterpiece Mural: A stunning focal point of the renewed space is a beautiful mural by talented local artist Megan Dragon, discovered through the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). We could not be happier with how she incorporated all native species into her mural. This artistic element not only adds beauty but deepens the connection to the specific flora and fauna of the Oregon Coast, grounding the space in its unique location.
  
  

• Furnishings & Atmosphere: Carefully selected furnishings and décor complete the transformation, enhancing comfort and accessibility. Every element works together to cultivate an "essence of tranquility," making the pavilion more serene, welcoming, and beautiful – a true sanctuary designed for respite, connection, and quiet joy.
  

A space for tranquility.

The Impact: Why Thoughtful Design Matters

The renewed space is already making a profound difference. As Jack Pipkin, CEO at JoyRx, states, “At JoyRx, we believe that joy belongs in every child’s medical journey. The Caring Cabin embodies that mission, offering a peaceful retreat where kids can feel like kids instead of patients, and families can create precious moments together.”

The redesigned pavilion directly supports this mission, providing a beautiful, calming environment that offers a "refreshing escape from medical routines," helping young patients and their families find "comfort and resilience through nature."

For our team at Design With Refinement, contributing to the community is a core value. My long-standing involvement with JoyRx and commitment to this pro bono project underscores our firm's belief that purposeful design can extend far beyond aesthetics; it can genuinely impact well-being and contribute to healing. Our company culture embraces community service, and she remains open to supporting other vital projects like this in the future.

How to Get Involved & Inspired

• Support JoyRx: Learn more about the incredible work JoyRx does and how you can support their mission of bringing joy to children facing illness. Visit JoyRx.org

• Explore Our Work: See how Design With Refinement creates beautiful, functional, and meaningful spaces in our portfolio.

• Start Your Project: Dreaming of transforming your own space into a personal sanctuary? Contact us for a consultation here.

• Follow Us: Find daily inspiration and project updates on our social media.

A Space for Healing, A Testament to Community

It was a privilege for us to collaborate with JoyRx on enhancing the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin. This project beautifully illustrates how thoughtful design, driven by compassion and a connection to nature, can create spaces that truly nurture the human spirit. It stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the profound impact we can make when we work together to bring comfort and joy to those who need it most.