Cancer Survivor, 12, Breaks Ground on Free Housing for Duke Patients
Twelve-year-old Harper Harrell, who beat leukemia after two years of treatment, is building free housing units in her backyard for families with children receiving care at Duke Children’s Hospital.
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — A 12-year-old cancer survivor initiated an ambitious project this week to provide free housing for families with children receiving treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital.
Harper Harrell hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in her family’s backyard on Strebor Street, less than two miles from the hospital. The event was attended by friends, donors, Duke Hospital staffers, and other supporters.
The project, called Harper’s Home, will feature two duplexes and two accessory dwelling units built in the family’s extra-large backyard. When completed in 10 to 15 months, the housing will accommodate up to six families at no cost.
Personal Experience Drives Mission
Harrell was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2021 at age eight and underwent treatment at Duke for more than two years. She traveled to the hospital over 100 times and spent more than 50 days hospitalized during her treatment.
The young survivor rang the bell signaling the end of her cancer treatment during a Duke University basketball game in February 2024. Cancer patients are generally considered cured or cancer-free if they remain in remission for five years after treatment.
During her treatment period, Harrell recognized the advantage her family had living nearby while other patients faced greater challenges with housing and distance.
“We were able to come into our own house every single time I got out of the hospital, and not everybody had that privilege,” Harrell told NC Newsline. “We wanted to help everybody else that we possibly could feel that way.”
Construction Plans Take Shape
The first phase of construction will include two buildings designed to house families during their children’s treatment at the nearby medical facility. The project represents a significant undertaking for the Durham family, who are working with various supporters and donors to make the vision a reality.
The housing units will be located on Strebor Street, providing convenient access to Duke Children’s Hospital for families who may otherwise struggle with long-distance travel or expensive temporary accommodations during treatment periods.
Hospital staff members who attended Tuesday’s ceremony have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families who must travel long distances for specialized pediatric cancer care. The new housing option aims to alleviate some of the financial and logistical burdens these families encounter.
Community Support Grows
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted the community support that has rallied around Harper’s initiative. Friends, medical professionals, and local supporters gathered to witness the official start of construction on what will become a crucial resource for families in crisis.
The project reflects Harper’s determination to transform her own difficult experience into something positive for other children and families facing similar challenges. Her enthusiasm for the project was evident as she shared details with attendees about the planned facilities and their intended impact.
As construction begins, the timeline calls for completion within the next 10 to 15 months, when the first families will be able to move into the specially designed housing units just minutes away from Duke Children’s Hospital.
