Harper's Home: Cancer Families Find Comfort

0:00Harper Harrow got here with a fast-growing blood cancer when she was just 8 years old, swapping playgrounds for chemo sessions at Duke Children's Hospital. Now at 12 and cancer-free, she spearheading Harper's home, a bunch of cozy cottages popping up in West Durham to house families during tough treatments. Her single mom, a local educator, saw how staying together kept some normalcy amid the chaos, and that's the spark behind this project. Friends exploding too, with about 3,200 families next year driving over 40 miles just for care at Duke. Families rave about the relief it brings, turning overwhelming hospital stays into something manageable when they can cook, do laundry, and huddle up. Under one roof, Harper herself says it makes the hard times feel a bit lighter. Right now, the first phase has two buildings underway, each holding up to three families with full kitchens and washers right inside. They've scraped together most of the $800,000 budget, but still need 275,000 to wrap it up.

1:02Looking ahead, Harper's home aims for eight units across six houses, all on a sliding scale or free. Swing by HarperShomans.org to chip in and help these families hold tight through the storm. Stay informed with Durham News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.