The enchanting chairs of Home for Healing’s Monster Bash give a moonlit look at what’s brewing behind the cobwebs.
Casey Jo Clark and Maegan Waldrip are two ghouls on a mission. The duo is teaming up to co-chair this month’s Monster Bash in support of Home for Healing’s mission to provide lodging and comfort for those receiving life-saving medical treatments. We caught up with the bewitching besties to learn more about the nonprofit and get the spooky scoop on the city’s favorite Halloween affair.
How did you first get involved with Home for Healing, and what drew you to it?
CC: I first got involved with Home for Healing through my friend Daniel Frazier, who was recently recognized as their volunteer of the year. What drew me in was the fact that the services are completely free. There’s really nowhere else a patient or family could get this kind of help. I took a tour of the home and that solidified my decision.
MW: I first became involved with Home for Healing through a friend and very quickly found myself drawn to the sheer place of hope it brings to those who find themselves in difficult medical seasons.
How did your own backstories influence your connection to the nonprofit’s mission?
CC: My story began in 2019 when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form. I was so fortunate to have CARTI Cancer Center close to home, but I quickly realized many people weren’t as lucky. They were driving from all over the state, sometimes multiple times a week, just to receive treatment.
When I learned Home for Healing provides a place for patients and their families to stay during such a difficult season of life, it was a no-brainer for me to get involved. I had incredible support during my treatment. Friends, family and even strangers stepped in to donate money, bring meals and help with our kids. At the time, I wanted so badly to write a thank-you note to every single person, but it just wasn’t possible. Supporting Home for Healing is one small way I can not only give back, but also pay it forward to others walking through their own difficult journeys.
MW: Five years ago I sat with my best friend, Casey, as she received infusions for her own cancer journey. Looking back, I do not think I realized in the moment how blessed she was to be able to receive treatment so close to home. So to meet and learn of the residents’ stories and how they found themselves needing Home for Healing made me realize I was able to see a lot of Casey’s journey, but not the part where the distance from home becomes an additional burden to the already existing concern of medical diagnosis and treatment.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about Home for Healing?
CC: How much heart and detail go into making the house feel like home. [Executive director Kristin Trulock] doesn’t just manage the building, she pours into relationships with patients and families, often going above and beyond to meet needs, provide resources and offer comfort during their hardest days. [The house is] filled with artwork, many pieces created by patients, each one carrying a story. There’s a kitchen where families can prepare meals together, a laundry room and all the little touches that make people feel comfortable and cared for.
What really surprised me, though, was the sheer number of lives touched: They lodged more than 320 guests in 2024 alone. I had no idea of the magnitude until I saw that number, and it shows just how big of an impact this home is making.
MW: First, they operate solely off 100% donations and grants. Secondly, there is no financial requirement or distance requirement to be able to stay in the home. There is also no maximum time limit of staying in the home. You are able to stay as long as treatment is being received. It is truly amazing to learn how they operate and all they do to be a safe haven and beacon of hope to so many.
Monster Bash is known for being a beloved mix of purpose and pure fun. What’s the key to getting the balance right?
CC: The key is creating an atmosphere where physicians and guests can really let their hair down. Doctors spend their days in intense, high-pressure environments. Many galas or fundraisers lean toward the prim and proper side, but Monster Bash is different — it’s a true party. Guests get to dress up in costume, laugh and have fun, while never losing sight of why we’re there.
MW: I think selflessness is the key to getting that balance right. I love a team approach, and being able to plan with the Monster Bash committee has been a true joy. So many ideas and many experienced individuals, I believe, are what help make this event a huge success each year. Then you add keeping the sole purpose at the root of each decision made in the planning season and it makes it all work out perfectly.
New to the bash this year is a VIP cocktail hour. What other tricks and treats do you have up your sleeves?
CC: You’ll just have to buy a ticket to see what surprises we have in store! But I will say, the VIP cocktail hour is going to be something really fun and unique this year, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.
Is there a specific program or element this year’s event is focused on, or that proceeds will go toward?
MW: Monster Bash will be focused solely on the work the home does each day of the year while also recognizing several groups and individuals who love on the home and its residents so well. All the proceeds go directly back to Home for Healing to continue the amazing work they do for so many.
Do you have your costumes ready for the big night?
CC: The costume is coming along. I can’t wait for the big reveal!
MW: Costumes are in the works! This is such a fun part of Monster Bash, and the planning for the costumes is almost as tedious as the planning for the event. It’s always fun to scheme and plan different ideas and then see them come to life.
Monster Bash
Benefiting Home for Healing
Oct. 24, 7 p.m. | The Venue at Westwind
Info: homeforhealing.org/events
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
HAIR & MAKEUP
LORI WENGER
CLOTHING
UNVEILED BRIDAL COLLECTION
JEWELRY
SISSY’S LOG CABIN
SHOES
DILLARD’S