News

American Cancer Society Accepts $1 Million Naming Gift
For Musekamp Family Hope Lodge

October 1, 2008 – George H. Musekamp III and his family presented a $1 million gift today to the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Cincinnati, a comfortable, supportive, no-cost home-away-from-home for adult cancer patients and caregivers who travel here for treatment. The lodge will now be known as the American Cancer Society's Musekamp Family Hope Lodge.

George Musekamp, a 31-year volunteer with the Society, says the gift will reduce suffering for cancer patients.

"It's a great program for the community and people who can't afford to stay overnight in a hotel for treatment," he said. "The camaraderie guests receive in the kitchen or sitting together sharing stories is much better than staying in a hotel room by themselves."

George's late wife, Joan, was the daughter of Josephine Freud Rollman, who established the American Cancer Society's Cincinnati chapter. George and Joan had three children - George Musekamp IV, who passed away in 1995, Eric and Helene.

"We're proud to be able to do something to help the entire Tri-State on behalf of our family," George said.

Eric Musekamp believes his mother would be especially proud of this moment.

"My father and my family have a great deal of empathy for people who are fighting cancer," he said. "We're honored and humbled as a family to be able to support the Hope Lodge program in this way."

Helene Musekamp McNerney has been a volunteer with the Society's gala fund-raising events in the past.

"Our family is fortunate to be able to help people with this very beneficial program," she said. "I'm proud and happy that we can show this type of support."

Don McClure, chief executive officer of the Society's Ohio Division, thanked the family for its generosity.

"Words cannot express our great appreciation for the Musekamps' wonderful gift," McClure said. "It will help to ensure that the lodge will continue to be a restful haven for cancer patients and families who come to Cincinnati for treatment in the years to come."

George Musekamp is a past winner of the Society's highest honor, the St. George National Award, in recognition for his outstanding service and dedication. He has served on boards in both Hamilton County and the Ohio Division of the American Cancer Society, and he's currently a delegate to the American Cancer Society's National Assembly. He is the president of Plaza Investments in Cincinnati.

Heidi Jark, co-chair of the Hope Lodge capital campaign, praised the Musekamps' continuing dedication to the American Cancer Society, which is a volunteer-driven organization.

"George Musekamp and his family have given a wealth of their time and treasure to the crusade against cancer," Jark said. "They set a high standard and inspire other volunteers to do everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and reduce suffering from the disease."

McClure noted that since opening in 2004, the lodge has served about 500 cancer patients and 2,000 caregivers by providing nearly 13,000 nights of lodging.

"Many of these cancer patients would not have been able to afford a hotel room for the length of their stays in Cincinnati," he said. "By removing this obstacle to treatment, the lodge ensures that more cancer patients have access to life-saving care in Greater Cincinnati."

Located at 2806 Reading Rd., the American Cancer Society's Musekamp Family Hope Lodge features 22 spacious bedrooms, a great hall and library, kitchens, a movie theater and an outdoor garden. Learn more and take a virtual tour by visiting cancer.org/hopelodgecincinnati.

The campaign for Hope Lodge is near completion. The Musekamps join with other donors who have generously given a total of $8 million of the $9.5 million campaign for the building. Another $1.5 million in community support is needed to finish the campaign. For more information on how you can make a difference, call Mindy Hammer at 888-227-6446 ext. 4600.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information anytime, call toll free 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.