Members of the American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride community – including volunteers, riders, and staff – were thrilled to attend the kickoff of an exciting new chapter for the American Cancer Society (ACS) Hope Lodge in Cleveland.
On Wednesday, June 7, POHR co-founder Kathleen Bond, joined by ACS Development Chief of Staff Sarah Wells and Hope Lodge Manager Cara Stock, picked up ceremonial shovels and broke ground on the expansion phase of the project – a new 10,000 sq ft residential wing that will add 12 brand new guest suites to this busy patient services facility.
Over the last two years (2021-22), the Pan Ohio Hope Ride (POHR) raised more than $1.3 million to directly support the Hope Lodge’s $8 million capital campaign, helping make the renovation and expansion of this oasis of HOPE possible.
“It was so gratifying to help push this campaign across the finish line last year, and it was a tremendous honor to witness firsthand the impact of funds raised by our event,” says POHR Event Chair Stacy McGrath. “To all the Pan Ohio Hope Riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and supporters – THANK YOU for all you have done to make this possible!”
One of more than 30 Hope Lodges in the United States and the only American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Ohio, the Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber Hope Lodge serves patients from throughout the state, across the country, and even around the world. Operated by paid staff and volunteers, Hope Lodges meet a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and fiscal needs of patients – enabling cancer patients to focus more on their recovery.
Within walking distance of two of the country’s top ranked cancer treatment centers, the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center and UH Seidman Cancer Center, the Cleveland Hope Lodge provides free accommodations for cancer patients and their caregivers when their best option for treatment is far from home. To qualify for a stay at an ACS Hope Lodge, patients must have a treatment commute of more than 40 miles (or one hour) each way.
The Cleveland Hope Lodge, one of the busiest in the country, is consistently occupied and frequently has a waiting list. The new wing will increase guest accommodations from 31 to 43 suites – providing 4,000 more free nights’ stays and removing some of the barriers to cancer care. Local hotel accommodations can average $199/night and guests stays at the Hope Lodge during treatment average 13 days. In 2022, the Cleveland Hope Lodge hosted 650 guests for a total of 13,154 nights, saving them a total of $1,297,000.
A Hope Lodge is much more than a free place to stay while traveling for lifesaving treatment. It provides a community where patients and caregivers can connect with others facing this disease. Lifelong friendships develop at this home away from home. Access to a variety of amenities, activities, and even entertainment support whole person wellness.
Proceeds from 2023 POHR are earmarked for the Cleveland Hope Lodge operational budget, with any money raised in excess of their budget going to other Hope Lodges, as needed. You can support the Cleveland Hope Lodge through this charity bicycle tour by registering to ride and fundraise, signing up to volunteer, or making a donation at pohr.org.
American Cancer Society Pan Ohio Hope Ride 