The Clara McLean House, also known as “Clara’s House” is a place of hope and healing for community cancer patients during treatment. “A space created by the community and for the community, every dollar was raised to build and maintain this safe haven,” says Carie O’Quinn, Administrative Director, Foundation Operations.
The spacious home was built for patients in need, along with their families, to have to place to go during or after treatment. They can come and stay for the day, overnight, or relax for an hour in the Healing Garden (shown above) as they face cancer treatment. There are public and private spaces dedicated to healing, reflection and resolve. Let’s go inside.
There are spacious common areas, such as a library, a living room and reflection room to read, write, puzzle and heal.
There is a space dedicated for children to play and be kids during visits.
A kitchen space is available to cook meals, and before Covid, to have meals prepared for guests.
Private overnight bedrooms and dayrooms are available for patients. Each are are handicap accessible and put together in soothing tones and colorways.
In addition to these rooms, there are office spaces available and a room to host meetings and private events that lead to the patio and garden. The house sits on the campus of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Guests are accomodated through need and referral and rooms are made available for patients living more than 30 miles away from the hospital. If you or someone you know can benefit from these services, speak with your physician or medical team for a referral.
Complimentary art and yoga classes are offered for cancer patients and survivors. The team has hopes to expand programming at the house for children, family and patients to help with support and survivorship with the launch of the new cancer center,” says Carie.
If you’d like to support Clara McLean’s House, you can donate here.
The Clara McLean House is one pillar of The Foundation of FirstHealth to support cancer patients. The foundation also houses the Cancer CARE Fund, that was established in 2000 when community volunteers and members of the FirstHealth group insisted on doing more to directly impact and support those facing cancer diagnosis and treatment. As of August 2021, the Cancer Care fund dispersed $2.1 million dollars and served 7,970 patients. To learn more or donate, visit the Cancer CARE Fund.
