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Shapard Family Gift Supports Hope Lodge
In this Article
Serving others is important to Bob and Susan Shapard. This may be by way of sharing a cup of coffee or even by lending a sympathetic ear. But through a generous gift from the Shapard Family, they are serving untold numbers of people in many important ways. That support will be felt by patients and their families who are receiving help through the American Cancer Society Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge in Dallas.
Guests of Hope Lodge will soon become familiar with the tall, unassuming gentleman with the beard — a signature look for which he is well known — as Bob doles out coffee and perhaps even much-needed hugs to guests. People and their families whose cancer journey finds them far from home will soon come to know the comforts of supporters with servant hearts who are there to help them.
This own personal experience, Bob knows what this journey feels like. His father received treatment for cancer in the 1970s, and Bob’s sister, Lois, recently completed treatment for breast cancer at Baylor Scott & White Health. While he is grateful for Lois’ positive prognosis, he is mindful of the fact that not everyone is able to get to care without making tough choices and allowances for the disruption it causes.
“When Lois was receiving treatment, we were very fortunate to have resources and be able to take care of her,” Bob said. “Many people with cancer and their families come from long distances and can’t afford to stay in nice hotels and eat meals out. Access is one of the many things that makes Hope Lodge special.”
As chairman of the board and former CEO of Oncor, Bob is known for a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the corporate culture of the energy giant. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to receive the care they need, he believes. A place like Hope Lodge provides the footing many families need to take their next steps toward healing.
“This is helping people who wouldn’t have this, and at their most vulnerable time,” Bob said of the initiative. “Inclusiveness and acceptance have always been key to me, as has health.”
A need to serve others is a trait Bob shares with his family. Bob’s sister, Dotty, volunteers at Baylor University Medical Center, where she helps seriously ill patients and their families. Bob has chosen to serve on the board of the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, providing input to one of the region’s most highly respected centers for treatment. Bob’s daughter, Abby, oversees the Shapard Family Foundation’s investments and philanthropy, carefully selecting causes the family is passionate about where they can serve and help others, in addition to providing financial support.
Here at Hope Lodge, Bob said, he and his family hope to volunteer and make a difference in a way that furthers their commitment in a very personal way.
“We want to roll up our sleeves, from sitting on the board to serving coffee,” Bob said. “The Lord has blessed us with the ability to lend some financial support, but we also want to help through service. We want to get involved, touch people and serve people. “
