Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin Receives Updates to its Meditation Pavillion
April is National Volunteer Month, and JoyRx is honored to recognize all of the organization’s volunteers and announce the completion of a transformative project at the JoyRx Nature Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin’s meditation pavilion — made possible through the vision and generous volunteerism of JoyRx Northwest Leadership Council member Refinement Wagner and her Portland-based interior design firm Design with Refinement.
When she learned of the opportunity for an interior refresh of the meditation pavilion, she generously offered her pro bono interior design services.
With Refinement’s volunteerism and a matching grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund for the meditation pavilion, JoyRx was able to move forward with a much-needed refresh of the space. The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund has been a proud partner of JoyRx since 2001, funding a variety of programs, including previous support of JoyRx Nature.
“This was a passion project,” said Refinement. “Being able to help enhance an already amazing space was a true honor.”
Refinement wanted to capture the healing connection to nature from the forest to the lake to the coast in the design.
“Through a beautiful mural, furnishings, and décor, we were able to capture the essence of tranquility for those who need it most,” she said.
Refinement and JoyRx identified and hired visual artist Meghan Catherine Dragon for this unique project, through the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
“Volunteers and art are the heart and soul of our organization,” says Jack Pipkin, Chief Executive Officer at JoyRx. “We are so grateful for essential partners like Refinement, who commit their resources, care, and expertise to help us bring free JoyRx programs to children and families facing serious and terminal illness. And, Meghan’s artistry in creating nature-inspired work to connect is really a perfect fit for what we hope to share with families that use the meditation pavilion.”
The recent transformation of its mediation pavilion enhances the Caring Cabin’s welcoming atmosphere, creating a more accessible, serene, and beautiful space designed to foster respite, connection, and joy.
The renewed space is already making a profound impact on families, providing a refreshing escape from medical routines and helping young patients find comfort and resilience through nature.
“The Caring Cabin was such a safe, special getaway,” explains Jace’s Mom, a JoyRx-served parent. “The house was unbelievable, and I cannot express the amount of joy it brought Jace and his sister. 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.”
Our 2024 Community Investment Report notes that 261 volunteers have contributed approximately 4,985 hours of their time to the organization, creating an incredible impact and building capacity for the organization.
Volunteer opportunities include serving as a mentor for JoyRx Mentorship, performing music in hospital lobbies with JoyRx Music, event and office support, as well as community and governance leadership.
It’s because of these amazing individuals that we’re able to complete projects like this one, bringing beauty and nature to families facing stressful medical journeys.