Thirty Letters from the Caring Cabin
This article is part of our anniversary series, commemorating thirty years of JoyRx programs in 2025. This month, we’re highlighting thirty messages from families served at the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin. Tucked away among the trees in Pacific City, Oregon, but close enough to the iconic coastline where you can still smell the salt air, there’s a truly magical place created just for families in need of peace.
Since its founding in 2006, The Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin has offered a place of respite, peace, and joy for over 400 families. This special retreat, as part of JoyRx Nature, helps families create once-in-a-lifetime memories at a place designed just for them.
At the end of each family’s stay, we invite them to leave a note in the guest book. We love seeing the thoughts, wishes, revelations, and heartfelt memories from parents and children alike.
As we honor thirty years of Children’s Cancer Association, here are thirty messages from families who were welcomed to the Caring Cabin in the last few years:
1.
“Our visit to the Caring Cabin was such a great opportunity to celebrate how far Eleanor has come in her journey with ALL; spending time at the coast with her family is one of her favorite things. And getting to stay in a place that was just absolutely perfect in every way was magical.
We loved taking the boat out, playing games in the game room, and the Xbox. The meditation room was a nice space to step back and enjoy the whole experience.”
— Eleanor’s Family, December 2024
2.
“It was just so amazing and beautiful, and it appears that you have all thought of everything under the sun, especially for young children. The thought that was put into the resources available was so beautiful.
This experience was important to our family because our kids had a great time just being kids together, exploring, hanging out, playing games, and cooking treats. It gave everyone a chance to just pause from the chaos of treatment and life that was so desperately needed.
We loved boating on the lake, eating in the beautiful kitchen, exploring the cabin, playing games, and watching movies.”
— Ava’s Family, November 2024
3.
“Our trip was very healing and allowed an opportunity to relax and enjoy oneself. It was a nice break, especially after several years of treatment; the trip happened nearly on the day I was diagnosed two years ago.
We were able to enjoy it and relax, before the frantic fall comes in and we become busy once again.”
— Alan, JoyRx-Served, September 2024
4.
“Jet has been fighting leukemia for over 2 years and recently finished maintenance treatment. He has been busy catching up with school and trying to get his strength back.
Our family has been so busy, and having this week gave us time to slow down and connect. But also so much more that. The cabin, the story of Alexandra Ellis and how the caring cabin came to be, the lake, the path, the rocks, the windows — all came together like a big hug.
Seeing my teenager laugh and have fun, be able to shoot basketballs, go down to the lake, row a boat, curl up in his new quilt falling asleep watching TV felt like huge steps toward healing.
Quiet yoga in the meditation room and just sitting on the deck gave us so much inner peace and calm.
The whole week far exceeded our expectations for the amount of joy and comfort we felt during our stay. With so much gratitude thank you to everyone that made this possible.
Jet enjoyed picking out a spot to place his stone — He chose a place where it would have a view of the lake and morning sun.”
— Jet’s Family, July 2024
5.
“Wow, where to begin. Thank you so much for creating such an amazing experience for Jace and our entire family.
We have been in and out of the hospital since February 2023, and the Caring Cabin was such a safe, special getaway.
The house was unbelievable, and I cannot express the amount of joy it brought Jace and his sister Emma.
They loved and appreciated every little thing — the cool bedrooms, the loft, the game room, the lake. You thought of everything, and it was incredible to see them have so much fun together.
It was so special to walk along the path each day, seeing the stones from all the other kiddos, knowing that we are not alone in this journey.
Thanks for gifting us a memorable time together that we will hold in our hearts forever. It was so special to have an epic, stress-free trip to make fun memories as a family.”
— Jace’s Family, June 2024
6.
“After so many brushes with death and uncertainty, life for families in these circumstances typically never return to normal after the initial concern and emergencies are over.
There are countless treatments, follow-ups, concerns, etc. that go on forever. We will always be worrying about new and ongoing needs and prescriptions, on top of always living with the anxiety of a recurrence of our son's medical issue. We have not been able to truly rest since coming out of our initial hospital stay, as the stress is unrelenting.
But the Caring Cabin allowed us to actually experience some rest and relaxation. We were able to bring in extended family members on our visit to the Cabin. This allowed us to be surrounded by loved ones, share in some of the household responsibilities while on vacation, and just simply laugh, rest, and enjoy ourselves.
We would have never had such an opportunity otherwise. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.”
— Connor’s Family, May 2024
7.
“We felt an unbelievable amount of reverence and gratitude for the experience. It was nothing short of moving to be supported in such a way. The walk to place our stone was a lifetime experience. We felt honored to be amongst the over 400 families who have been served by JoyRx Nature.”
— Colton’s Family, March 2024
8.
“This trip was our first vacation since our son was diagnosed with (high-risk) ALL almost three years ago. We didn't realize how much we needed a vacation. Time to unwind and experience a new place, somewhere exciting and new. To get to stay on the beautifully built and sacred property grounds felt extraordinarily special.
Knowing so many kind and caring people came together to create such a place, a sanctuary, filled us with utter gratitude.
The meditation room was heavenly, the books were carefully chosen, and many of them spoke directly to me as a mother. The fluffy rug and yoga mats nestled within created the perfect ambiance. Exactly the type of quiet space a parent needs during difficult times.
The play room and building with the bathroom and charming upstairs bedroom also included a multitude of super fun family games for all ages, to be enjoyed indoors or outside within the nice concrete court space. The layout of the main home was stunning; we felt like royalty staying there.
We love the handmade quilt; it's so wonderful, so comforting, and a one-of-a-kind keepsake Oliver can cherish for the rest of his life!
The winding path with the stones was an incredible reminder that our family was among a community of others who had gone through the intense reality of a sick family member.
Walking the path in the rain and playing with the sand below the fire pit was so much fun! We saw salamanders and the gorgeous fall colors along the way! We spent hours peacefully boating on the lake together. We played basketball. We watched movies and snuggled. We spent time at the beach and ran up and down the dunes; the kids found giant kelp to play with. We had a picnic lunch, played wobbly chess, Jenga, and read books. We ate out at the Pelican Brewery and bought some yummy food items at the market across the street. My son declared he took the best bath of his entire life in the large tub, haha!
Exploring the place felt like an adventure all in itself!”
— Oliver’s Family, November 2023
9.
“The Caring Cabin is amazing!!! Everyone told us, but you really do not understand until you experience it for yourself.
Thank you all so very much! It was just wonderful!
Between the medical care, restrictions, and financial strain of long-term treatment, the opportunity to get away is so important on an emotional level.
Going to the Caring Cabin to spend time as a family in a new, safe environment was amazing.
It made us so happy watching Christian’s joy as he discovered the house and property and the huge number of activities it provided. I think he would have stayed forever!
It was also deeply meaningful to connect with our cancer community by seeing all the stones and names — we recognized several names and were simply in awe at the sheer number of cancer warriors.”
— Christian’s Family, October 2023
10.
“Our visit just happened to fall a week after we had a scary hospital stay for Zella. It was so nice to have a beautiful space to reconnect as a family after a stressful week apart in the hospital.
It was lovely to also be able to invite extended family to join us and enjoy the area. We spent a beautiful day on the beach.
At the Cabin, we spent hours doing puzzles, making friends with banana slugs, finding our friends' stones on the path, and doing craft projects at the table.”
— Zella’s Family, October 2023
11.
“The last several months had been stressful with our son being diagnosed with such serious illness. All we had on my mind was how to get him the help he needed, getting through treatment, and reassuring him (and ourselves) that everything will be OK.
When we learned that we would be able to go to the Caring Cabin, it gave us one more thing to look forward to. Our son was particularly excited when he found out that his two best friends would be able to come with us.
This experience was very refreshing and therapeutic. We had an opportunity to relax, enjoy the moments, and reflect on all that we've been through since his diagnosis.
The experience was very rejuvenating for all of us. The first thing that struck us was the sheer beauty and peaceful setting of the cabin. The second was the number of rocks with the names of the kids who had visited the cabin. It made us realize that not only were we not alone in this journey, but there are people and organizations dedicated to putting a smile on the faces of parents like us and our kids who have had to battle childhood cancer.
My most memorable moment would be my kid laying his own rock among others, assisted by his younger brother and his friends. It brought tears to our eyes, knowing his rock will be there as a testament to his fight against cancer.”
— Chimebuka’s Family, August 2023
12.
“Everything was marvelous; she was super happy. We all enjoyed every minute of it… the house, the ocean, everything was spectacular!
We’re all happy about this beautiful opportunity that you all gave us to enjoy nature. Visiting the ocean for the first time was an experience we can’t explain. Our first time was majestic!”
— Davinna’s Family, August 2023
13.
“It would be hard to express how much the Caring Cabin meant to each one of us. Such beautiful family time in a stunningly beautiful setting!
I can’t remember the last time that we were all together, just relaxing. It was easy to just live in the moment at that place… which is pretty difficult to do these days. It was such a nice reset before his next treatment and procedure.
This was such a relaxing time for our entire family. We were all able to come together as an entire family, which doesn't happen very often, especially away from our home (on vacation).
It allowed us to unwind and not worry about all the other stressors that are embedded in our daily lives. It provided an opportunity that we could not otherwise experience, which is really important for our family.
The best part of the Caring Cabin was how relaxing it was. We did not have an agenda, nor did we have other responsibilities that typically impact our day-to-day.”
— Oli’s Family, May 2023
14.
“When we learned of Junell's stage four cancer in May of 2022, it was terrifying. Along with what of all of a sudden was an uncertain future came treatment plans that hurt and caused damage.
Amongst the pain and uncertainty, we have prioritized joy and good moments where we can. These moments and time are essential to Junell's spirit as well as the rest of our family.
The Caring Cabin provides this gorgeous space, a unique location, and a sacred environment symbolized in the rocks of other kids who have enjoyed this space and have had to face medical crises.
The experience at the Caring Cabin was simply unique and peaceful.
For us, the stars aligned, and even though we did not know the treatment plan at the time of scheduling, our trip started the same day as Junell's last day of lung radiation!
Junell's favorite thing was Xbox and listening to music in the meditation pavilion.
As a family, we played board and card games. Enjoyed the nature from the cozy proximity of the beautiful fireplace, ate good food, visited the beach, and did some shopping.
As a whole, our favorite thing was having this unique, beautiful space and the time to enjoy being there and being with each other.”
— Junell’s Family, March 2023
15.
“Staying at the Caring Cabin was important to our family because it gave us a chance to connect and forget about the hard things our family has had to endure throughout the year. It was very relaxing not to worry or stress, or be in the hospital for treatment again and again.
It was a nice time to escape from all that. Braylon really enjoyed it and wants to come back. It was so hard for us to leave. Some of our favorite memories were just reconnecting as a family.”
— Braylon’s Family, February 2023
16.
“We have not traveled as a family since we started treatment. Being able to stay at the Caring Cabin gave us a chance to unwind and connect in such a beautiful setting. We took a trip to the cheese factory! Spending time on the property, just walking to the lake, and sitting together (and not together) was lovely.”
— Hudson’s Family, December 2022
17.
“Our stay at the Caring Cabin meant so much to us. We felt such a sense of empowerment and community during our stay.
Cancer and Covid with two young kids have both been extremely isolating, both literally with quarantining and figuratively with going through something most people don’t.
But at the Caring Cabin, we felt less alone. It truly felt like a retreat. We invited Maddy’s cousins to stay with us, and this was the first time we were able to really spend time together indoors and maskless.
We had an amazing time, and it was just what we needed at that time. And we were there on Maddy’s sixth birthday! 💛”
— Maddy’s Family, August 2021
18.
“This has been the hardest year of our lives. But this trip gave us a chance to completely relax and focus on family and fun in an absolutely beautiful house and property. The entire weekend was perfect, just spending time with family and not thinking about hospitals. We loved eating meals together, playing games and doing puzzles, making s’mores, going on a boat ride, taking walks outside, and going to the beach. I could go on and on!”
— Kaylee’s Family, July 2021
19.
“This experience was important for us in many ways. Not only in the ways I expected (get away, relax, enjoy nature, family time) but also in ways I didn’t expect, like feeling connected to a cancer community, reflecting on our strength, and gaining perspective and gratitude.”
— Madelynn’s Family, June 2021
20.
“When I found out about the Caring Cabin, I requested to stay there for our daughter's fifth birthday for a number of reasons.
First, our daughter spent her fourth birthday in agony suffering from a burst appendix that hadn't been discovered yet because she was just coming to the end of her first month of treatment for Leukemia and they hadn't been able to detect her appendix issue on scans yet and did not know why she was in pain at the time.
Second, because of COVID, our family also spent her birthday apart, and she is an identical twin, so she spent her birthday separated from her twin as well. Finally, due to COVID and her cancer, the entire year for us was spent being extremely isolated and cautious. Even once she was finally out of the hospital, we spent all of our time at home and did not even visit with family or friends for the rest of 2020 and into 2021.
Thanks to the Caring Cabin, we were able to surprise the girls with an unbelievable birthday celebration that included their first-ever getaway trip, a much-needed break for us to find some relaxation from the stress of the year and some solace in nature, and we invited their very favorite Uncle and Aunt as an additional surprise!
They helped us create a magical rainbow birthday extravaganza for the girls and showered them with love and hugs that made up for that year and a half they had been apart.
After more than a year filled with only video calls and drawings of ‘when I see uncle again, we will ...,’ the girls screamed and jumped up and down with excitement, and they were very, very happy.
We let them stay up very late every night, made them all their favorite meals, visited the beach, gave them their favorite cakes, roasted marshmallows for the first time and made s'mores, and they couldn't get enough of the swing set because they literally haven't been to a swing set in over a year!!
It also helped us adults spend some time together, as we hadn't been able to for so long.
Just spending time in person with another adult and being able to have that human connection — there are just no words to describe the value in that.”
— Lily’s Family, May 2021
21.
“Our girl loves the beach more than any place in the world, and the Caring Cabin allowed us to give her a magical time while we have time together. We loved taking the rowboats out so much!”
— Sofia’s Family, April 2021
22.
“Our experience at the Caring Cabin was wonderful. The home, lake, and natural surroundings are such a beautiful gift. Seeing the stones, the memorial, and the home’s very purpose was powerful. We felt deep sadness, grief, joy, and hope.
Our teen son, who is especially struggling with acceptance, was able to connect with feelings and truths he has been avoiding. We are extremely grateful for the love and selflessness that have been poured into the retreat.
Thank you, Ellis family, for our time at the Caring Cabin. We are extremely grateful for our time here. In addition to the retreat itself, the rocks and quilt for Bo were very meaningful.
There is a peaceful, healing energy to the place we all benefited from. We visited shortly before Bo’s first diagnosis anniversary. The visit helped us infuse more gratitude into this very difficult year.”
— Bo’s Family, February 2021
23.
“Since our son's diagnosis, our lives have been a roller coaster. The nearly constant stress is overwhelming.
Having a few days to get away to a serene, beautiful, comfortable location was so rejuvenating! We were able to breathe, relax, and put some of the worry aside and just have fun.
We were able to play pool together for the first time. We all really enjoyed that! We watched movies together and ate meals together. It was great! The boys especially loved playing video games on the huge screens! We all slept well and got much-needed rest.
We can't say enough how grateful we are to everyone who had a part in making this possible! We are warmed by the kindness and generosity of time and money that go into the Caring Cabin. Thank you!!”
— Seth’s Family, December 2020
24.
“The Caring Cabin truly was a rest from the busyness, demands, and the toll childhood cancer takes on a family.
I loved getting to watch movies all together on the same couch in the family room!!! A truly magical thing for a family of six.
What a gift to prepare meals in the beautiful kitchen and have the kids right there with me helping out. We loved eating at the island bar and at the dining room table.
We enjoyed many games by the cozy fireplace in the living room.
We loved looking at the wildlife along the path to the lake (beautiful mushrooms, lizards, an otter, and deer), but the most special part was reading the names of all the kids along the path.
They are the true treasure and the reason why Children’s Cancer Association exists. They represent many tears and many joys. Thank you for allowing us to see the great family we are a part of — bonded warriors of childhood cancer.”
— Anna Grace’s family, November 2020
25.
“This year has been a mess with Max's recurrence, surgery, radiation — all during the first couple of months of COVID. Then the fires came.
Being at the Caring Cabin while the air in Portland was awful gave us a sense of relief not only from the smoke but also from our day-to-day worries.
The blue sky at the beach during the day and the stars over the lake at night were added bonuses.”
— Max’s Family, September 2020
26.
“Especially right now, I think, the complexity of nurturing a child through cancer during a global pandemic while the city is in chaos is an intense emotional burden — even more so than at ‘normal’ times. Nothing is normal when your child has cancer — but when the pandemic arrived, everything took a turn for the even worse.
The environment of the Caring Cabin and its surroundings was like a comforting, welcoming embrace from the outside world. It gave us space to breathe, to feel, and to make some sense of the cancer journey.
For us, it came at the end of Max's treatment — something we couldn't have known for sure when we were gifted the weekend. When he placed his stone on the ground, it was as if he was able to say, ‘I survived.’
The whole experience created a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of survival, and of responsibility to the community of those who have shared this journey, knowing that some have carried on, and some have not. We are both grateful and heartbroken for this community. Having time to process this trauma has given us more capacity to move forward in strength and health — regardless of what comes next.”
— Max’s Family, July 2020
27.
“Dear Children’s Cancer Association,
Thank you so much for providing the most beautiful, relaxing, and most of all, powerful atmosphere for my family and me to finally feel like we could take a breath.
As a 16-year-old girl getting diagnosed with cancer, I felt like no one would ever understand what it’s like. But every time I walk the path lined with rocks that honors fighters, heroes, and angels, I am just speechless. It reminds me that I am not alone, and WE are not alone. It brings me JOY to see all the names on the rocks.
While staying at the Caring Cabin, my family has enjoyed laughing, celebrating, playing games, making s’mores, going to the beach, and enjoying each other with fewer worries. I am SO thankful we were able to come here and get inspired by something that no child should ever have to go through.
Thank you, Ellis family. Thank you, Children’s Cancer Association.”
— Ellie, JoyRx-served Teen, June 2020
28.
“I am embarrassed to admit that before our stay at the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin, we had very low expectations.
How quickly that changed!
When we first opened the gate here, we knew we had arrived at a very special place.
Walking in under the trellis, seeing the water feature on our right, and then stepping in the front door left us speechless. Everything about the property encourages reflection and healing.
My husband and I were moved to tears as we walked down what I am calling ‘The Path of Warriors.’ We thought of all the children who had fought just like our Jack. We thought of their families. We thought of their communities. We wondered how many of them won their battle.
As we have resumed ‘normal life’, it seems that everything encourages us to move on. To have a few days dedicated to processing, reflecting, and planning for our future truly left us feeling empowered and healed on a level we had not experienced to date.
Thank you, Children’s Cancer Association, JoyRx Nature, and the Ellis family.”
— Jack’s Family, February 2020
29.
“We had a great time at the Caring Cabin! What an amazing setting. Seth decided to invite friends, so it was my husband and I with seven teenagers. They all had a great time and really appreciated the opportunity.
At home, it's hard to get more than one or two of them together, so this was a nice way to get a group of them together. It was great for us to get to see Seth laughing and goofing around with all of them again. He was exhausted at the end, but so happy!
Walking down the hall, seeing all the shoes and hearing the laughter from the bedrooms, your heart swells knowing your kids are having such a great time. Thank you for giving that to us.
The Caring Cabin is a special place. Not only are the house and setting beautiful, but there is an amazing feeling surrounding it as well. Once you shut the gate behind you and 'lock' everyone in, you're allowed to breathe again. It's a safe place to feel all of your feelings and reflect on everything you've been through.
Seeing all of the memory stones is overwhelming, in a good way. You get to see that you're not alone, that all those beautiful souls have endured what you have, and for some, so much more.
Thank you doesn't feel like enough.”
— Seth’s Family, October 2019
30.
“This experience in the Caring Cabin was much needed for our family. Our 16-year-old daughter Jasmine fought an entire year, missed her junior year, friends, sports, and events. We spent most of our days at Doernbecher’s emergency rooms and doctors’ appointments. And when at home, she didn’t feel well. Our lives have been on the go, fight mode, not being able to just sit and take in what just happened to us, or even have a chance to talk about it with each other.
This opportunity gave us the time and space to be able to take a break, sit still, take in what just happened to us this entire year, breathe, cry, laugh, play, interact with each other, take a nice long bath, and show and express love with each other. We got an opportunity to let our feelings out, talk about them, love each other, and laugh.
The meditation room was a safe place where we went in to tell each other important things (I’m sorry for, thank you for, I’m proud of you for, and I love you for,) that allowed us to move forward leaving all the pain, fear, and worry we had been carrying behind.
This experience to us was very important as we hadn’t spent time with each other just relaxing and having fun without the worry or distraction of the day-to-day chores, work, social media, and phones. It gave us the time to speak with each other with no interruptions and get to know us better now as our lives have taken a shift. Gave us time with our older kids that we hadn’t really seen in a year due to living out of the hospital.
Our time here was so great, magical, refreshing, and precious. We so appreciate this opportunity and recommend it to other families.”
— Jasmine’s Family, June 2019
Reading these notes, one thing rings true across each family: how important the Caring Cabin ended up being for their healthcare journey. It’s through the generous support of our community that we can offer this free-of-charge retreat to families in need of nature-based joy.
As part of our thirtieth anniversary, we’ll honor donations of $300 with a personalized brick set along a new pathway we’re building to the firepit on the property. If you’re inspired by the journey these families have taken, we hope you’ll help pave the path to joy for them.
In your personalized brick, you can list your name, the name of a loved one, or leave an inspiring message for the families who will walk this path. If you could tell them one thing, what would it be? Spell it out on a brick to ensure families will read this inspiration for years to come.
Learn more about Children’s Cancer Association’s thirty years of impact by visiting our anniversary page.