Molly’s Story

Molly’s House is the dream project of a young girl named Molly Sharkey. Molly was twelve years old when she was diagnosed with chronic myelocytic leukemia. In the next six years Molly and her family virtually traveled the country trying to find treatment for her rare type of leukemia. In some cities they were lucky to find a Ronald McDonald House where the family could stay and be close to Molly in the hospital. In other cities there was no where convenient for the family to stay.
This experience is what prompted Molly’s dream of building a house. She wanted to build the house in her home town, Stuart, Florida, and make it available to any family who had a loved one being treated for critical care at the locals hospitals. Molly died in May of 1992 at the age of 18, but left behind her journal filled with her ideas of building Molly’s House.
Since Molly’s death in 1992, family and friends have raised funds to build Molly’s dream house. In April of 1995 a piece of property was purchased at 430 S.E. Osceola Street in Stuart on which to build Molly’s dream. A ground breaking ceremony was held in June and construction began in August, 1995.
Molly’s House is a three story Victorian style house built to Molly’s specifications. It has a wrap-around porch, spiral staircase, flower beds and lots of windows. The main features of the house are: 11,000 square feet with two family suites, twelve bedrooms with private baths, two kitchens, a library, a laundry room, two lounge areas and large front and back porches. The house is located just three blocks west of Cleveland Clinic – Martin Health and close to downtown Stuart.
Molly’s House was built by generous contributions from the local community. Many businesses donated time and materials to help with the project. At its completion, Molly’s House is truly a community built project. Our grand opening was held on September 21, 1996 to celebrate what would have been Molly’s 23rd birthday and the beginning of a dream come true.