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AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CELEBRATES OPENING OF MICHIGAN’S FIRST HOPE LODGE
On January 24, 2008, the American Cancer Society (ACS) officially celebrated the opening of the Hope Lodge, Peter M. Wege Guest House with local medical professionals, donors, ACS volunteers and cancer survivors. The Hope Lodge, which is the first in Michigan and 25th in the country, is a temporary, free residential facility for adult cancer patients and their caregivers traveling from outside the area for treatment at Grand Rapids cancer treatment centers.
“Today marks a new era for the American Cancer Society and the local community as we celebrate the grand opening of Michigan’s first home-away-from-home for cancer treatment patients in Grand Rapids,” said Nancy Yaw, chief executive officer, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc.
“The Society is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the greater Grand Rapids community has shown for the Hope Lodge as we work to fulfill our mission of easing the burden on cancer patients and their families while providing better access to top quality cancer care.”
Grand Rapids is increasingly becoming a premier community for cancer treatment in the region. Approximately 3,800 cancer patients receive treatment at Grand Rapids-based hospitals each year. Of those, one in every four patients travels from outside the area for treatment. In addition to the expense of treatment itself and the loss of income, most insurance companies do not cover transportation or lodging costs associated with obtaining treatment. On average, a cancer patient undergoing radiation therapy receives 25 to 30 treatments throughout a six-week period, and close proximity to a treatment center is necessary.
The approximately 30,000-square-foot facility includes 20 private guest suites, each with a bedroom and private bath; four fully-equipped kitchens with a pantry for personal and community food items; a large dining area; several cozy living rooms; laundry facilities; an exercise room; a resource library complete with computer access and reading materials; areas for personal meditation and an outdoor garden patio.
Numerous local businesses, community members and volunteers contributed to the $6.8 million capital campaign that was successfully completed in 2007. Hope Lodge was built according to green building standards in keeping with lead donor Peter M. Wege’s commitment to the environment and expects to gain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.) certification.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.