American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Lubbock
Dear Friends of Hope Lodge,
When I sat down to write this letter, I kept circling back to the idea of “looking forward.” This came to mind quickly, because when summer arrives there is so much to look forward to. But as I reflected on the idea, I realized that at our Hope Lodge community there is a “looking forward to” that goes far beyond the activities of summer.
As we welcome Hope Lodge guests every day and get to know them better, we share one singular hope with each of them: looking forward to the days after treatment or looking forward to life after cancer. We all know that feeling. It is the deep roots of hope.
This “looking forward to” is what the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program is all about, and you are an important part of that. The hours donated by dedicated volunteers, the delicious meals dropped off by community members, supplies ordered and sent from our Amazon wish list, and, of course, the generosity of our donors all keep our facility running. But, more importantly it makes the “looking forward to” a reality for so many!
As you read this newsletter, keep that feeling in mind. The cancer journey is difficult and daunting, but we want every day filled with the promise of what is possible after cancer. That’s what drives us. That’s why our home away from home for people with cancer and their caregivers is called Hope Lodge.
As you turn your calendar to the sun-filled months of summer, we hope you are looking forward to vacations, outings, and festivities with family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for being part of our Hope Lodge family. Please read on to see the latest news! If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.
Robin Gardner, Senior Manager Hope Lodge
Hope and Hospitality Are Never in Short Supply
Kim Pender is a breast cancer survivor and an American Cancer Society volunteer who knows firsthand the challenges of cancer treatment. She is also a caregiver and a beneficiary of the hope and hospitality of the American Cancer Society McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge community in Greenville, North Carolina.
Kim’s mother was diagnosed with metastatic brain and double lung cancer two years ago, and has endured aggressive chemotherapy and radiation since then. In addition to the physical and emotional toll the family was facing, there was the financial burden of having to travel far from home for treatment.
“With all the stress of dealing with my mom having emergency brain surgery to save her life, we reached out to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge community in Greenville near the hospital where she would be for several weeks,” Kim recalled. “They were a light in the dark tunnel we found ourselves in because they opened up the doors for my family – my mother, my sister, my aunt, my husband, and myself – and allowed us to stay there when needed.
“Every staff member is so kind, professional, and caring,” she said. “When you’re there you feel like a part of an extended family. We didn’t have to worry about any accommodations because they provided us with a beautiful room, a comfortable bed, a fully stocked laundry room, all the amenities you need like toiletries in a nice ‘survivor’s bag,’ a kitchen filled with snacks, a beautiful chapel, and so much more. We met several other people and made new friends for life.
“Having experienced for myself how Hope Lodge communities provide for patients and their caregivers, it makes all my fundraising efforts have a greater purpose,” Kim said. “Not only am I a survivor, but I can also be more of a testimony to others about the commitment of the American Cancer Society to truly help change lives and provide free assistance to those enduring a cancer journey. I feel so blessed!”
Pictured left Kim Pender
A Letter That Says It All from Room 102
A recent letter from two guests, Mike and Karen, who stayed at a Hope Lodge facility for 46 nights during Mike’s radiation treatment, expressed their gratitude for this unique home away from home. Their stay at the Hope Lodge community also saved them more than $7,000 in hotel costs. Before learning about the American Cancer Society program, the couple paid more than $160 per night for several weeks at a hotel so they could access the lifesaving cancer care Mike needed. As you’ll read, it’s not just financial support, but also the comfort, kindness, and HOPE provided through the true power of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program that helped them on their cancer journey.
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For more information visit us at cancer.org/HopeLodgeLubbock.
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