Rathbun House is honoring its founder, Dr. Adelaide Daniels Key, for Women’s History Month. Dr. Key was a cancer survivor who took notice that cancer patients and their loved ones struggled when having to travel to Asheville, NC for cancer treatments. 

Her awareness of the problem inspired her to create a hospitality house, providing families with a place to stay and offering comfort during their loved one’s hospital stay. Dr. Key worked with stakeholders in the community to bring her vision to life, and on September 12, 1994, the Lewis Rathbun Center was able to serve those in need. Fast forward to today, and the Rathbun House has served 66,905 guests since September 1994.

Our pioneer passed away on August 20, 2014, but she is still remembered for the many lives she touched, and her impact continues to this day.