Extraordinary Volunteerism: Portland-based firm Design with Refinement
Completes Refresh of Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin Meditation Pavilion

Collaboration with Visual Artist Meghan Catherine Dragon
Brings New Life to Peaceful Retreat for Families with JoyRx Nature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Pacific City, OR – [April 2, 2025] – April is National Volunteer month, and Children’s Cancer Association 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 Refinement Wagner, and her Portland-based interior design firm Design With Refinement.

Launched in 2006, the Children’s Cancer Association’s JoyRx Nature program creates an essential connection to the natural world and provides children in treatment, and their extended families, with a no-cost, five-day retreat at the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin. Designed with the needs of seriously ill children and their families in mind, this unique property is nestled in 24 acres of surrounding woods at the Oregon Coast. It offers a serene lake and a calming environment, including a Meditation Pavilion, for families to find solace, process emotions, and create memories together.

Refinement Wager, founder of Design With Refinement, has shared her leadership with the organization by serving as a member of the Children’s Cancer Association’s Northwest Leadership Council since 2022. 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.

“This was a passion project – being able to help enhance an already amazing space was a true honor. We really wanted to capture the healing connection to nature – from the forest to the lake to the coast, in our design,” says Refinement Wagner. “Through a beautiful mural, furnishings and décor we were able to capture the essence of tranquility for those that need it most.” 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 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 get away,” 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.”

Children’s Cancer Association’s 2024 Community Investment Report noted that 261 volunteers had contributed approximately 4,985 hours of their time to the organization, creating an incredible impact and building capacity for the organization. Volunteer opportunities include JoyRx Mentorship, JoyRx Music opportunities, event and office support, as well as community and governance leadership, in addition to unique opportunities for specific areas of expertise. 

Since its opening in 2006, the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin has hosted more than 650 seriously ill children, along with their extended family and friends. Learn more about JoyRx Nature, Music, and Mentorship programs.

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For photos of this project, please visit: this gallery.

Additional photos about JoyRx and its programs can be found here.

For media inquires or more information about Design With Refinement, please contact: Refinement Wagner, refinement@designwithrefinement.com, or call (503) 308-8606.

For media inquiries or more information about JoyRx, please contact: Andrea Tichy, atichy@joyrx.org, or call
(503) 200-5102.