May 7 marked the groundbreaking for the American Cancer Society Gene and
Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge.
On May 7, Baylor Scott & White Health and the American Cancer Society held a groundbreaking ceremony and major gift announcement for a Hope Lodge facility in Dallas.
“The American Cancer Society is committed to removing the emotional, physical and financial burdens that many cancer patients must face when they travel away from home for treatment.”
— Jeff Fehlis
In recognition of their lead gift, the facility will be named the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge. It will offer cancer patients and their caregivers a comfortable home away from home when they have to travel to receive care from any of North Texas’ premier medical centers.
“Through their decades of business and community investments, the Jones family has had a far-reaching impact in North Texas. Their support of Hope Lodge in Dallas will extend that reach and make a difference in the lives of those traveling to the region for their cancer care,” said Rowland K. Robinson, president of Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation. “Together with ACS and with the support of all our generous donors, Hope Lodge will soon be a reality for North Texas, and we are so grateful.”
Each year, thousands of cancer patients travel from throughout the region to receive potentially lifesaving cancer treatments from a variety of facilities in North Texas. Often, patients and their families spend days, weeks, even months away from home. The combined emotional and financial toll of the loss of income, medical bills, hotel rooms and dining out can be staggering.
Thanks to generous support from individuals and organizations, the capital campaign surpassed its fundraising goal and has raised nearly $32 million to date.
Once the doors are opened in 2021, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge is expected to provide more than 18,000 nights of free lodging annually. Located on property donated by Baylor Scott & White Health adjacent to its Baylor University Medical Center campus, the 40,000-square-foot facility will include 50 private guest suites, each with two beds and a private bathroom. In addition, the facility will feature common living areas, a dining room, laundry facilities, library, meditation room and outdoor garden. The American Cancer Society’s South Region headquarters also will be housed at this location in an adjacent facility.
“The American Cancer Society is committed to removing the emotional, physical and financial burdens that many cancer patients must face when they travel away from home for treatment,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society’s South Region. “Thanks to the generosity of partners and individuals who have stepped up to help with this project, we will soon be able to provide a home away from home for cancer patients, allowing them to focus on what’s important — getting well.”
Thanks to generous support from individuals and organizations, the capital campaign surpassed its fundraising goal and has raised nearly $32 million to date. As lead donors, the Gene and Jerry Jones family understand the impact this disease can have within a family
and community.
“Facing a cancer diagnosis and enduring treatment is already daunting enough, but worrying about travel, lodging and other necessities can be a huge burden,” said Jerry Jones. “Our family is grateful for the opportunity to help those who are in need of these types of services and exceptionally proud of what the Hope Lodge will bring to our community.”
Other major donors included the Don and Trudy Steen Charitable Foundation, Carmen and Jeff York, Moody Foundation, the Horner family, Mabee Foundation and the Shapard family.
“This project, the first of its kind in North Texas, is a natural extension of our mission and deep commitment to patients,” said Jim Hinton, CEO, Baylor Scott & White Health. “The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge will be a haven for healing on patients’ journeys; its impact will be exponential, as it will not only help those fighting cancer, but those fighting alongside them.”
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation continues to seek philanthropic support to underwrite ongoing operating expenses for the facility.
For more information on how you can support the American Cancer Society Gene and Jerry Jones Hope Lodge, contact Tim Moore at 214.820.7877 or Timothy.Moore@BSWHealth.org.
