By Elizabeth Bonner
The Pink House, a stunning Southern-style Victorian home, stands out on Morehead Street in Charlotte. Home to the nonprofit Carolina Breast Friends, its namesake reflects not its hue but rather its mission—to unite and support breast cancer survivors.
Chris Ebel, whose late wife, Kristy Adams-Ebel, founded CBF in 2003 after her own diagnosis, says the vision was born of the need for a positive place women could go to learn how to live their lives while battling breast cancer—just as Kristy did until her death in 2006. “They wanted to go where they could feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel and laugh about what’s going on rather than cry,” Chris says of Kristy and some friends she made during chemotherapy.
Pam Phipps, founding CBF vice president and current advisory council cochair, met Kristy during her proactive quest for such a cohort. “Kristy wrote an article in the Charlotte Observer looking for other breast cancer survivors just three weeks after my surgery,” says Pam, a 12-year survivor. “Her vision was exactly what I was looking for, and I wanted to get involved. We clicked. She possessed an indomitable spirit. Her smile and personality were charismatic. From there, the whole group just took off.”
Kristy dreamed of a “one-stop shop” where women facing fresh diagnoses could go to try on wigs, scarves, and hats; to research the disease with access to top resources; and to connect through counseling with others who have walked the road.
Though Kristy did not see the dream fulfilled in 2010, her legacy lives on in the walls of the Pink House—walls proudly painted in the signature color. “Shortly after her passing, we were able to find the house, and things just seemed to work out,” Chris says. “There was a little divine intervention and probably a little Kristy intervention.”
“People tell me that when they walk into the Pink House they just feel at home,” he continues. “It’s supposed to be that respite for survivors, where they can go and relax for a change—forget about what’s going on in their bodies and just enjoy life.”
Continue reading for a home tour and more about the history behind the Pink House from its talented designer Cathy Austin. Pam explains that Cathy worked to create an “elegant but warm, welcoming interior” for the women of CBF.
Cathy was a sponsored blogger for High Point Market this spring, and we’re looking forward to seeing her at Market again this weekend. If you’re heading to High Point, don’t miss our lunch event and book signing for Southern Style Decorating, hosted by Aidan Gray on Tuesday, October 20, from 12-2p.m.
For more information, visit carolinabreastfriends.org, and check out our October issue for the full story.
“In September 2010, a friend invited me to visit the Pink House, a unique respite for breast cancer survivors and the Carolina Breast Friends organization,” says Cathy Austin, the Charlotte-based designer who gave the home its lovely look. “When I saw the Pink House for the first time, they were in the midst of the renovation that had been donated by J.E. Dunn Construction. They had done a magnificent job renovating this beautiful historic home, but had no funds to furnish the interior.
“We held a ladies-only ‘Pink Party’ in November 2010 to raise money for the interior. The generosity of the Charlotte community was incredible. In one evening, we raised enough to furnish the first floor of the house. From there, we approached several vendors and workrooms to see if they would donate their time and talent to help with the cause. Thanks to the donations of the design community, we were able to complete the entire house, which opened its doors in May 2011.”
“When we first began this project, I honestly did not know if we would be able to pull it together,” Cathy recalls. “We had several different rooms that needed to flow together, along with a random assortment of found items and upholstery that needed some unifying element. I finally understood the expression ‘making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!’”
The refined pale-pink color palette, which extends to the covered porch that overlooks a healing garden, became that unifying element.
“The organization wanted us to create a sophisticated, calming, and feminine atmosphere,” Cathy says. “This was a haven where women would come together for fellowship, support, and inspiration. We began with a palette of a cream, taupe, and a sophisticated, muted serene pink—not too bright or too pastel. The sunroom established the color palette and acts as the entry point for the home, welcoming guests.
“We found several pieces at local flea markets and tag sales. With some refinishing, new paint, and reupholstery, we were able to turn others people’s cast-off furnishings into beautiful pieces for the Pink House. Mike and Sabrina Polly of Design Services of Charlotte agreed to donate all of the labor for reupholstery. I had worked with Mike for years, but did not know his wife was also a breast cancer survivor.”
“Albert Hadley said, ‘Decorating is not about making stage sets… It’s really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul.’ We wanted the survivors that entered this space to feel like their spirits had been lifted and their souls nourished,” Cathy explains. “The curved lines of the mirror, camelback sofa, and scalloped valances add to the feminine atmosphere. Silk velvet, grosgrain ribbon trim, mitered pillows, silk shades, and fresh flowers show the importance of nurturing details and textures in the interior.
“Sharon Coppede of Custom Window Treatments, Inc., is a breast cancer survivor herself. She agreed to donate all of the labor, lining, and inner lining for the window treatments in the house. The ladies that work in her design studio donated their time to make the beautiful drapery in the image above. Sharon joined Carolina Breast Friends and has started mentoring ladies who have recently been diagnosed.”
“We approached Kate Long Stevenson to see if she would be willing to do a painting in memory of a friend she had lost to breast cancer,” Cathy says. “Kate created the most beautiful abstract work. The painting resides above the mantel that is now the focal point of the living room where Carolina Breast Friends holds their monthly meetings.”
The painting’s dedication reads: “In memory of my extraordinary friend, Neil Maddux Miller. May her vibrancy, grace, and incredible resilience continue to inspire us all.”
“Several manufacturers such as Kravet, Lee Jofa, Cowtan and Tout, Jane Shelton, Pierre Frey, Schumacher, and Stark and Charles Stewart gave us discounted pricing so we could stay on budget,” Cathy says. “The dining room serves as a conference room, resource library, and can also be used for special events.”
“We were completely humbled by everyone’s kindness and generosity,” Cathy says. “Not a single person we asked declined to help.”