The Shepherd's Arms Lodging Project:
When cancer strikes, it affects the entire family; emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially. It is an additional burden if treatment requires traveling a distance from home.
Kate's Kids is proud to make you aware of a project that has transformed the daylight basement of Katelyn's home into a private, one-bedroom efficiency apartment. This place is called "The Shepherd's Arms", as it offers those who are weary a "place of rest". (Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.") Members of Kate's Kids have designed and painted ceramic tiles that frame the kitchen window in the apartment, bearing words of encouragement and uplifting scenes. Each guest that stays in the apartment will be invited to paint their own tile that will be added to the collection.
The modest, but comfortable apartment is offered AT NO COST to patients and/or their families who need lodging when traveling for treatments. The project was completed in July of 2006 and the first guests (a family of three) moved in for a five-week stay as the finishing touches were being put in place.
There are two murals in the apartment. The first is on the wall above the stairway leading into the apartment and the second encompasses the entire 24 foot length of one wall in the living/kitchen area. Both are pictured on this page. The entry mural depicts the inspiration for the project, and the living area mural is a combination of a few different places in Ireland that inspired the artist when she was asked to paint a scene that would bring comfort and calm to those staying with us. The murals were commissioned and paid for by "Westside Professional Business Association". This group lost a treasured member and friend to cancer in November of 2005 and wanted to honor him in a way that would bring comfort to those engaged in a healing journey. The artist is Portland local, Veronica Lake.
If you, or someone you know has a need for this type of lodging, please have your health care provider contact us through email.
Note: This project is NOT a part of the non-profit corporation, Kate's Kids 4 the CURE. This project is a private ministry of Steve Sullivan, Debra Tomac Sullivan and Katelyn Tomac. No proceeds from Kate's Kids are used in any fashion to support this ministry. It is funded entirely by the Tomac Sullivan family and any donations that are from time to time received by them. Kate's Kids has provided a page on their web-site so that those in need can be made aware of the availability of this lodging. (If you are desiring to help with re-stocking of non-perishables, and other ongoing costs by making a donation, please make it payable to Steve and Debra Sullivan, as we do not have a specific bank account entitled "The Shepherd's Arms"). Thank you! You can send emails related to this project to: debratomac@yahoo.com.