Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 01, 2015 -- The American Cancer Society announced the largest gift to date toward the fundraising challenge issued by The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation to help build an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Houston. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has donated $1 million through The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation. As part of the Society's mission to save lives and relieve suffering from cancer, Hope Lodge Houston will provide no-cost lodging and support to those traveling from across America to receive cancer treatment in Houston.
As announced earlier this year, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation extended a 2 to 1 challenge opportunity until December 31, 2015. For every $2 the Society raises, the McNair Foundation will give $1 up to $4 million to help us reach ground breaking by the end of 2015.
“Cancer is already daunting enough, but worrying about travel, lodging, and other necessities while enduring treatment can be a huge burden,” Jones said. “Gene and I are proud we can help by joining Bob and Janice McNair and President George and Barbara Bush as they work to bring a Hope Lodge to Houston.”
Bob McNair praised the Jones’ for their generous gift. “We are grateful to our friends, Gene and Jerry Jones, for recognizing the need and helping us reach our campaign goal this year,” he said. “By coming together and supporting a project like Hope Lodge Houston we are able to make a greater impact for deserving cancer patients.”
The McNair’s were moved to issue this challenge grant after Bob McNair was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2014. He was treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and was recently given a clean bill of health. Throughout his cancer journey McNair saw firsthand the thousands of patients who come to Houston to receive their treatment.
“These folks are from all over and the added expense of coming here and staying for an extended period of time brings an additional burden onto a family that is already under so much stress,” says McNair.
There are currently 31 Hope Lodges operated by the Society nationwide, including Lubbock. Due to patient demand, Hope Lodge Houston will be the largest in the nation with 62 patient suites. At capacity, the Lodge will offer approximately 23,000 nights of lodging per year, representing a combined savings of over $2 million to patients.
Hope Lodge Houston will be open year-round with a unique homelike setting that includes a shared kitchen, dining spaces, a help-yourself pantry, daily access to fresh linens, patient laundry facilities and a library with Internet access as well as free transportation to and from treatment facilities. Once constructed, Hope Lodge Houston will be southeast Texas’ first and only no-cost residence specifically for cancer patients, helping to alleviate the overwhelming financial burden these families face.
“Bob and Janice McNair are family-oriented, entrepreneurial, and civic-minded. They have provided a simple way to make a meaningful contribution to the future health of thousands of cancer patients,” said Sandy Biggers, American Cancer Society’s campaign director. “Whether you are able to give $5, $25, $100 or $10,000, the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation will increase your gift. The McNair Foundation’s fundraising challenge provides an incredible opportunity for people to truly make an impact.”
To donate or learn more about the Hope Lodge Houston campaign, please visit our website at http://www.cancer.org/hopelodgehouston, or you may contact Sandy Biggers, campaign director, at (713) 706-5640 or sandy.biggers(at)cancer(dot)org. Together, we can Build hope & Touch lives.
About the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/fight.
Jennifer Walker, American Cancer Society, +1 281-782-4646, [email protected]
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