Memphis Hope Lodge Welcomes First Guests

The Memphis area has a new place for cancer patients to seek refuge while in town for treatment, thanks to the opening of the new American Cancer Society Harrah’s Hope Lodge. Volunteers with the facility held a ribbon cutting on November 18th, and the first guests started staying at the Lodge a few weeks later. That group included Jeff and Sharon Humm from Illinois.
“It’s a home away from home,” said Jeff, “The Memphis Hope Lodge is such a special haven during a very trying time for families facing cancer.”

The Humms travelled to Memphis after discovering a trusted family physician moved his practice there. Sharon wanted that doctor to perform her surgery for breast cancer. The couple worried about the expense of lodging while out of town for the procedure, but soon learned of the Lodge.

“Sharon’s cousin recently went through breast cancer and told us to give the American Cancer Society a call,” said Jeff.
Once at the American Cancer Society Harrah’s Hope Lodge, the Humms found a free room with a private bath, and resources like a community kitchen and a library. The Lodge even has a shuttle service for trips back and forth to treatment.

“The Hope Lodge is a much needed resource in Memphis as it is the first to offer free housing for adult cancer patients,” said Kim Culbreath, American Cancer Society Harrah’s Hope Lodge Director.

The Humms will continue to support the American Cancer Society, as they have for more than two decades, but will also be spreading the message about the hope they received at the Hope Lodge.

“Knowing that someone is there to care, to comfort, to provide, to help, to encourage, all without invading one’s private time, is more than I can put into words,” said Jeff. “We have never experienced any place like it. We thank the good Lord for the Hope Lodge and the American Cancer Society.”