One Year of Hope: The Impact Of The American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge opened its doors one year ago, and to say that they have made a huge difference would be an understatement.

“It’s more than just a place to stay, it’s a place to call home and a place to feel safe,” said cancer patient Dr. Krista Ratliff.

In the year it has been opened Hope Lodge has helped over a thousand people.

“We’ve had over one thousand guests and caregivers, stay a combined thirteen thousand nights, and have saved over two point two million dollars and expenses over the past year,” said Lesa Foster, Senior Manager for The Hope Lodge. 

“They did a biopsy on the upper prostate and that’s when they found the cancer,” said cancer patient Wayne Broach.

Broach has proton treatments Monday through Friday in Oklahoma City yet he lives in Lawton.

“If it wasn’t for Hope Lodge, I would have to travel from Lawton Oklahoma to the proton center, which is like 97 miles,” said Broach.

Broach was diagnosed in July and was one of the ones fortunate enough to into Hope Lodge.

“Since November first basically we’ve been full almost every night,” said Foster. 

There are thirty-four guest suites, two community kitchens, a food pantry and a workout area, but for the guests the amenities are secondary, this place is all about the support.

“Cancer sometimes can take your hair, it takes your eyelashes, it takes your spirit, your personality, but one thing it can’t take with Hope Lodge is the family and community resources that come together,” said Ratliff.

“Late afternoon maybe they’re just sitting around the dining table just having coffee and conversation,” said Foster.

As wonderful of a place as this is for the patients it is equally gratifying for the staff and volunteers.

“Sometimes guests will say, the treatment healed my body but hope lodge healed my soul,” said Foster.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Hope Lodge and the team here,” said Ratliff. 

For information and ways to support the American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge visit www.cancer.org/hopelodgeoklahomacity.