Duke Cancer Center

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. One morning, a delivery driver parked outside Duke Cancer Center and noticed an unusual sign on the fence: ‘Cancer cells found here, please park carefully.’ He shook his head, thinking it must be a prank, but every day after that, more signs appeared around the building—each one quieter than the last. Finally, someone reported it to security. The next day, a big banner hung over the entrance: 'Caution: Cancer Cells Active in Building.' A delivery driver chuckled as he drove away, muttering, 'Guess I'll just keep my phone charged!'

2. In the waiting room of Duke Cancer Center, a small dog appeared out of nowhere one afternoon. It trotted past puzzled patients and nurses, stopping only to sniff at the flowers on receptionist’s desk. Suddenly, an elderly gentleman approached the dog and asked, ‘Excuse me, little fellow, where did you come from?’ The dog looked up with big eyes and wagged its tail. A nurse chuckled and said, ‘He must be here for the same reason as everyone else—just trying to find his way.’

3. In the parking lot of Duke Cancer Center, a delivery driver found something odd one afternoon. Among boxes of medical supplies, he spotted a brightly wrapped package labeled ‘Happy Thoughts.’ Curious, he opened it to discover a handwritten note inside: ‘For those who need a smile today.’ As he read further, he saw that each page contained a simple drawing—a smiling sun, a dancing bear, or a rainbow after rain—and a brief message like ‘You’re stronger than you know,’ or ‘Laugh and the world laughs with you.’ Turning around, he realized everyone in the parking lot was laughing too—even the usually gruff oncologists had smiles on their faces. That day, Duke Cancer Center became known not just for its treatments but also for its secret stash of uplifting notes from an anonymous neighbor.

4. At dawn, when the Duke Cancer Center’s corridors were still quiet, a janitor cleaning late-night labs heard a strange humming sound coming from behind a closed door. Curious, he opened it slowly, and there sat a little old man in a wheelchair, humming softly to himself. ‘What are you doing here?’ asked the janitor. The man smiled and said, “I’m just waiting for my appointment with Dr. Hope.” They both laughed, and the humming stopped as the sun began to rise.