The American Cancer Society of Oklahoma (ACS) is one step closer to groundbreaking on a new Hope Lodge, thanks to a generous $5 million donation from Chad Richison, founder and CEO at Paycom.
“Everyone is either zero or one degree away from cancer,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president for ACS South Region. “It’s a disease that touches us all, and that’s why it is so important to bring Hope Lodge to Oklahoma. The investment Mr. Richison has made will be felt in all corners of the state.”
This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 20,540 Oklahoma residents will be diagnosed with cancer and that 8,420 will die from the disease. It also estimates 3,700 cancer patients will travel 40 miles or more for treatment in Oklahoma City.
“We firmly believe your ZIP code should never determine whether you live or die,” Fehlis added. “We are very fortunate to have partners like Mr. Richison investing in the state’s health care and for his compassion and contributions to patient’s recovery and peace of mind.”
The Chad Richison Hope Lodge of Oklahoma City will have 34 guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. Free, on-site parking will be available, as well as fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, common guest lounges and a dining room. It will serve approximately 2,400 patients and caregivers annually, providing approximately 14,600 free nights of lodging valued at$1,971,000 in annual savings.
“Providing community style lodging and other essentials to patients and families during their battle with cancer is a much-needed service that hopefully takes one less stress off their minds,” said Richison. “I’m pleased to be part of bringing this new concept to Oklahoma and grateful for what the American Cancer Society is doing with the Hope Lodge experience.”
The new facility will be built near the Stephenson Cancer Center at NE 8th St. and N Phillips Ave., with land leased for $1 per year from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The Chad Richison Hope Lodge of Oklahoma City will be the only free lodging program available for adult cancer patients and their caregivers.
“Our world has turned upside down the past few months as a result of COVID-19,” Fehlis said. “But cancer hasn’t stopped and neither has ACS. The pandemic has created challenges which we must now factor into construction, making sure we are creating a safe environment for our guests. We have a chance every day to do good in the world, and partners like Mr. Richison are a great example.”
Currently ACS operates more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Groundbreaking on the new Hope Lodge Oklahoma City is set for fall 2020. Additional information can be found at: cancer.org/hopelodgeoklahomacity.
