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PAGE 4B October 2023
Birmingham's Hope Lodge is a home away from home for Cancer Patients
By Myra W. Pierce Managing Editor Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. With the many advances in technology and medicine, the life expectancy of many cancer patients has increased over the past few decades. Although this is a step in the right direction, cancer can still be an emotional, physical, and financial burden for many patients and their families. Thankfully, Alabama is blessed to have The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Birmingham. The Hope Lodge is a home away from home for some people suffering from this disease. For cancer patients over the age of 12, who live more than 40 miles from their treatment, the Hope Lodge can provide cost-free lodging and support. However, all lodging requests must begin with a referral from the patient’s treatment facility and
should be coordinated through a physician or social worker. The Hope Lodge is located at 1104 Ireland Way in downtown Birmingham, near Five Points. The 33 room facility includes a community kitchen and offers fellowship opportunities with other Cancer patients. Although the Hope Lodge is only a short distance from UAB, and other Birmingham area medical facilities, transportation to and from treatments is offered as a courtesy to patients. Through August 2023 the Hope Lodge has provided accommodations for many cancer patients in Alabama, as well as from surrounding states. Altogether this year, the Birmingham Hope Lodge has provided 12,218 nights of lodging, served 791 cancer patients, and provided 3909 rides to treatments. This equates to a total savings in lodging expenses for guests of over $2 million dollars.
grills, the Lodge is always in need of people to cook or cater meals. Also, there are opportunities for churches, individuals, and civic organizations to provide catered meals for the patients at Hope Lodge. Special volunteers are also needed. This includes shuttle drivers, and other general volunteers who can clean, file, make phone calls and do laundry. Additionally, the Hope Lodge has a free food pantry in its community kitchen.
Included in the above totals were 245 room nights for cancer patients from Marshall County, 235 from DeKalb County, and 212 from Jackson County. There are over 30 American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities across the country, and each need support. The Hope Lodge in Birmingham always needs volunteers and donations. Although the Hope Lodge provides four indoor community cooking facilities and four outdoor Pantry Fruit (canned) Single serve peaches Single serve apple sauce Single mandarin oranges Single serve Pineapple Single serve mixed fruit Single serve pudding Condiments Salt and Pepper Garlic Cinnamon Single serve pears Single serve Jell-O Herbs Spices Soy sauce Worchester Sauce Barbecue Sauce Salsa Beverages (including water) K-cups
Keeping this food pantry stocked is important for cancer patients and it is a great opportunity for any organization willing to help. The Hope Lodge food pantry would be a great project for any high school group, church or business that would like to do a food drive for the upcoming holiday season. Also, with tax contribution deadlines approaching, giving to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge is a great way
to help an outstanding organization right here in Alabama and the cancer patients that stay there. In addition to volunteers and meal donations, the Hope Lodge is always in need of basic necessities. Some of these include canned food items, condiments, kitchen and laundry items, toiletries, and much more. For more information, visit the Hope Lodge Facebook page: Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge or call 205-558-8733.
HOPE LODGE SHOPPING LIST
Nuts and seeds
The following list is an example of some of the items that can be donated to the Hope Lodge. Meat
Pecans Brazil nuts Macadamia nuts Hazelnuts
Walnuts Peanuts Almonds Pine nuts Chia seeds Flaxseeds
Can chicken Can Turkey Beef jerky Corned beef Vienna Sausage Spam Potted meat Fish Can Tuna Can Salmon Sardines
Pumpkin seeds Sunflower seeds Sesame seeds
The kitchen and dining area inside the Hope Lodge in Birmingham. Photos by Myra W. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Pantry (Can-goods) Tomatoes (all varieties) Spaghetti sauce Noodles (all varieties) Green Beans Small English Peas Split Peas Veg-All Cabbage
Pantry (Non-Food) Sandwich bags Snack bags Quart Bags Gallon Bags Paper Plates 12 oz. to go coffee cups Paper towels Laundry detergent Dryer sheets Cascade Rinse Aid Liquid dish detergent Toilet paper Hand sanitizer Lysol Aluminum foil Food storage containers Swiffer Wet Jet Cleaner Swiffer Wet Jet pads Swiffer Sweeper Wet pads Swiffer duster refills Windex Toilet bowl cleaner Furniture polish Bathroom cleaner Multi purpose cleaner Lysol wipes Other proteins Hand Soap Copy paper Plastic forks
Creamers Hot cocoa Ginger ale Powerade or Gatorade Pedialyte Apple Cider Snacks Protein or Cereal Bars Chips Snack cakes Crackers of all kinds Ginger Snaps
Turnip Greens Collard Greens Mustard Greens Mixed Greens Spinach Black eyed peas Lima Beans Black Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Pork N Beans Baked Beans Corn Meal Flour Pet Milk Carrots
The Hope Lodge guest lounge provides a place for patients to relax.
Popcorn Granola Nuts Raisins Candy
Volunteers Volunteers help make Hope Lodge a true home away from home by making meals, providing entertainment, and helping with activities. Whether you have a few hours once a week or once a month, you can make a difference. Individuals and community or civic groups are welcomed. Volunteers can work on a one-time project, or on an ongoing basis. To learn more visit cancer.org/volunteer or call 1-800-227-2345.
Pickle relish (Dill) Soup (all varieties) Microwave meals Hot cereal Cold cereal Oatmeal packages Ravioli Canned Sweet Potatoes Pumpkin Chili with Beans Chili w/o Beans Hot Dog Chili Field Peas w/snaps Cake mix Pancake mix Syrup Popsicles Splenda or Equal Sweet N Low or Sugar
Eggs Tofu
Fats Extra virgin olive oil
Sunflower oil Vegetable oil Coconut oil Avocado oil Vinaigrette
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