Bringing comfort and shelter to cancer patients and their families: Christopher’s Haven Atlanta

There’s a tree on the wall of Christopher’s Haven Atlanta that’s growing bigger every week. 

Its colorful leaves are formed from the handprints of families who’ve stayed there. The branches symbolize the bonds created with others who’ve passed through Christopher’s Haven’s doors; each seeking — and finding — a bit of comfort while facing the challenges of cancer treatment at the Emory Proton Therapy Center across the street.

“Christopher’s Haven is a special place,” said Steve Bostic, the chairman of the organization’s board of directors. “We really make it so that receiving treatment is not as daunting and scary as it could be and would be for families of children and adults facing cancer.”

Proton therapy is one of the world’s most advanced and effective cancer-fighting technologies, using a highly focused proton beam to eradicate a tumor without damaging surrounding organs or tissues. Because it’s so precise, it’s considered a safer form of radiation treatment for children with certain tumors. 

“It’s also typically a lengthy process, with outpatient treatments happening five days a week for six weeks or more. Families who don’t live in or near Atlanta have to relocate for the duration, which is challenging for many of them”, said Tina Bostic, executive director of Christopher’s Haven.

“Because of how long treatments can take, commuting from another state or renting a hotel for that time is often not practical or affordable,” said Tina. “That’s where we come in. We remove that barrier to care by providing four fully furnished apartments to families at little to no cost. We looked at it from the standpoint as, potentially, if a child coming in from out of town does not have a place to stay, they may not get treatment.” 

“It’s incredibly comforting for me personally that our patients and their families have a place they can stay during treatment,” said Dr. Bree Eaton, MD, Pediatric Medical Director, Emory Proton Therapy Center and Christopher Haven board member.

That was the situation for the family of a little girl named Adore who needed treatment for a malignant brain tumor. Adore’s family lives in Greenville, South Carolina, two and a half hours away from Atlanta.

“One of the biggest things I was telling my husband was, I was like, ‘I don’t know where we’re going to stay or what we’re going to do,” said Adore’s mother.

Then they learned Christopher’s House was an option.

“It’s really like another home,” she said. “And my children enjoy it. Spending time together, being able to do things while we’re here, it’s a blessing. Nothing short of a blessing. This experience being here with Christopher’s Haven has made it so much easier.”

In addition to the living spaces, families like Adore’s have access to full amenities including a pool and fitness center. They can bring their pets and extended family can come and visit. There’s a grocery store within walking distance. There’s also a central, private community area called “The Loft” where all the families staying there can gather, their children can play and they can connect and feel supported through the shared experience.

“It’s more than a home away from home in some ways because you’ve got other people that are going through the process,” said Tina.

The staff on site ensures each family’s stay is as comfortable as possible.

“Our family service manager, Twawanda Searcy, is amazing,” said Tina, “She handles the scheduling, welcomes each family and works with them to address their specific needs. She even arranges special events like pizza nights to ease the stress and help families relax.”

Twawana, Steve and Tina, are part of a team that is carrying on the legacy of the founder of Christoper’s Haven, Joyce Duvall, who opened the first apartment in Boston in 2006. She grew that facility to nine apartments before opening the second location in Atlanta in 2020.

Joyce also served as the executive director of Christopher’s Haven Atlanta until she unexpectedly passed away in October.

“This is her legacy,” said Tina. “It’s something she put her heart and soul into. And now, we’re going to pick it up and continue on.”

Part of the team’s ability to do that has come from finding and connecting with the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.

“They’ve really taken a tremendous load off us as we’re trying to build Christopher’s Haven,” said Steve. “It’s been an amazing lifeline. It’s allowed us to focus on what we do best — supporting families who stay at their apartments and growing the mission. As a board, we don’t have to worry about the challenges that come with managing investment funds. We’ve been connected with a network of people who can help support our organization’s growth.”

Christopher’s Haven Atlanta currently serves about 30 families a year, but the goal is to expand to 16 apartments that can accommodate 100 patients and their families annually — turning the tree on the wall into a forest of handprints.

“Every donation to Christopher’s Haven Atlanta stays in Atlanta and is directly used to support the comfort and care of families of children and adults battling cancer,” said Steve. “You know that your money that you’ve earned and that you’re giving has a real impact.”