American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge
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 prepare to welcome our first Hope Lodge guests in Oklahoma City, we look forward to providing a home away from home for people with cancer and their caregivers – a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. The Chad Richison Hope Lodge community is expected to provide more than 14,600 nights of free lodging each year, representing an estimated $2 million in savings to patients annually. It will also help to reduce health disparities that exist for the state’s underserved populations, including rural and Native American communities. It is our hope that those facing cancer feel the sense of community the facility provides and see it as a respite on their cancer journey.
In the months ahead, we will welcome people with cancer and their caregivers; share meals and stories together; and will 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.
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.
Sincerely,
Lesa Foster, Senior Manager, Hope Lodge
Oklahoma City Facility Celebrates a Major Milestone
Our Chad Richison Hope Lodge facility in Oklahoma City celebrated a major milestone in February with a traditional topping-off ceremony commemorating the structural completion of the building’s frame. The $16.5 million community, which will open later this year, will be a one-of-a-kind facility for Oklahoma, offering free, temporary lodging for people facing cancer who most travel far from home for treatment.
During the topping-off event, a symbolic last beam, adorned with cancer survivor stories, donor signatures, and a spruce tree signifying hope and prosperity for all who stay at the facility, was placed atop the newly constructed building.
“State-of-the-art facilities, treatments, and clinical trials draw patients who do not have those resources in their own communities to this great city, but without lodging assistance like the Hope Lodge community many people facing cancer can’t afford to stay here,” said Jeff Fehlis, American Cancer Society executive vice president, South Region. “The American Cancer Society is committed to breaking down those barriers and ensuring all people have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer.”
Designed by MILES Architecture and constructed by GE Johnson, the facility was built thanks to many community leaders, including Hope Lodge Capital Campaign Chairman Scott Meacham and Chair Emeritus H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, as well as organizations, and corporate partners. A $5 million gift from Paycom Founder and Chief Executive Officer Chad Richison was the largest financial contribution to the campaign. In recognition of his generosity, the facility was named after him. The University of Oklahoma has also been a valuable partner in helping the American Cancer Society bring this Hope Lodge community to Oklahoma City. Other major donors include the Presbyterian Health Foundation, the Chickasaw Nation, the Penny L. Norman Estate, the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, and the Charles and Peggy Stephenson Family Foundation.
Pictured are Jeff Fehlis, American Cancer Society executive vice president, South Region); Jeff York, Paycom leadership strategist; Chad Richison, Paycom CEO and founder; and Lon Kruger, former University of Oklahoma men’s basketball head coach.
Rick McCune, Presbyterian Health Foundation president, signing the symbolic last beam for the new facility.
Jeff Fehlis (left), with Tammy Padgett, American Cancer Society volunteer and cancer survivor; and Dr. Robert Mannel, director, Stephenson Cancer Center.
Invest in Your Community by investing in the American Cancer Society
“Cancer is a traumatic disease. Anyone diagnosed with cancer knows that it turns the lives of patients and their families upside down,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment Professionals. “One way we can help is by creating a home away from home for those people with cancer and their caregivers who must travel to Oklahoma City for treatment.”
Many of Stoller’s friends and colleagues – including fellow employees at Express Employment Professionals – have been touched by the disease. So, when he learned about the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program, he considered it a good fit for his company. “Express is committed to supporting our city and the community, so we’re really excited to be involved in the new Hope Lodge facility,” said Stoller.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Express Employment International has more than 830 franchises across the US, Canada, South Africa, and Australia. Since their founding in 1983, they have put more than 8 million people to work worldwide.
“Our donation to the American Cancer Society was not by chance,” said Stoller. “The American Cancer Society has a proven record of serving patients and conducting research. It has a history of success. Express Employment Professionals is proud to support our community by contributing to a successful and proven model that helps thousands of people. If you have discretionary dollars to give back to your community, consider making the American Cancer Society high on your list.”
Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment Professionals
For more information visit us at cancer.org/HopeLodgeOklahomaCity