community focus and volunteerism

Volunteers help give hope a home at Grand Rapids Hope Lodge
When Brian and Arlene Patterson heard that a Hope Lodge was going to be built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the couple knew firsthand how much the facility would support cancer patients and their families. Their adult daughter had needed multiple surgeries for a tumor in her leg, and each one required a trip out of town or state.

"We would have really been able to use the facilities if they had been available to us," said Arlene. "So we can really understand the need for it because there is such a huge expense involved with the treatment and if you have to put on top of that lodging and meals and everything else that’s involved, it’s a big expense for a family."

Arlene and Brian lost their daughter to cancer in 2006 and volunteer with the American Cancer Society as a way to continue her fight. They have participated in their local Relay For Life for the past five years, and when the Grand Rapids Hope Lodge opened in January, the Pattersons were there to offer guests understanding and support in their time of treatment.

"I wanted to volunteer just so I could be there because I understood what others are going through," said Arlene, who answers phones and greets guests at the Lodge. "I just thought that I could really empathize with those who were coming in for treatment because we’d been there."

Brian is a volunteer driver, giving patients rides to their treatment in the Grand Rapids area.

"We both of course felt a real closeness to others with cancer and wanted to help in some way," said Brian, who has also lost his father and brother to cancer.

"I enjoy being able to help get people to their treatments, socialize with them a little bit, and have a sympathetic ear if someone is so inclined to share what is going on."

Approximately 3,800 patients receive treatment at Grand Rapids-based hospitals each year. Of those, one in every four travels from outside the area for treatment. By offering lodging and transportation free of charge, Hope Lodge helps to ease the financial burden associated with lodging for out-of-area cancer patients while providing access to the full range of patient support services offered by the American Cancer Society.

As Grand Rapids continues to emerge as a premier destination for cancer treatment in the region, Hope Lodge will offer convenience, support and, most notably, hope for cancer patients and their caregivers for many years to come, thanks in large part to the dedication and passion of volunteers like Arlene and Brian.

"We’re just thankful and blessed that we can be a part of it and help in any way that we can."

For more information on donor and volunteer opportunities with the Grand Rapids Hope Lodge, please call Teresa Schaal at (616) 364-2540.

Pictured: Brian and Arlene Patterson