Pictured: Exterior rendering of the American Cancer Society Gene and Jerry Jones
Family Hope Lodge scheduled to open 2021. View More Renderings Here
DALLAS, TX – The American Cancer Society broke ground today on a Hope Lodge facility in Dallas, offering cancer patients and their caregivers a home away from home while traveling to receive care from any of North Texas’ premier medical centers. The facility will be named the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge in recognition of their lead gift, which is part of a $25 million campaign. It is located on property donated by Baylor Scott & White Health adjacent to its Baylor University Medical Center campus.
Each year, thousands of cancer patients travel from throughout the region to receive potentially life-saving cancer treatment in North Texas. Often, patients and their families spend days, weeks, even months away from home. The emotional and financial toll of the loss of income, medical bills, hotel rooms and dining out can be staggering.
Once the doors are opened in 2021, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge is expected to provide more than 18,000 nights of free lodging annually. The 40,000 square-foot facility will include 50 private guest suites, each with two beds and a private bathroom. In addition, the facility will feature common living areas, dining room, laundry facilities, library, meditation room and outdoor garden. Patients and their caregivers will also have access to the current offerings of the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. The American Cancer Society’s South Region headquarters also will be housed at this location.
“The American Cancer Society is committed to removing the emotional, physical and financial burdens that many cancer patients must face when they travel away from home for treatment,” said Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society’s South Region. “Thanks to the generosity of partners and individuals who have stepped up to help with this project, we will soon be able to provide a home away from home for cancer patients allowing them to focus on what’s important – getting well.”
The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge capital campaign, conducted in collaboration with Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, surpassed its fundraising goal with extraordinary support from generous individuals and organizations. As lead donors, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family understand the impact this disease can have within a family and community.
“Facing a cancer diagnosis and enduring treatment is already daunting enough, but worrying about travel, lodging and other necessities can be a huge burden,” said Jerry Jones. “Our family is grateful for the opportunity to help those who are in need of these types of services and exceptionally proud of what the Hope Lodge will bring to our community.”
Other major donors included the Don and Trudy Steen Charitable Foundation, Carmen and Jeff York, Moody Foundation, The Horner Family, Mabee Foundation and Susan and Bob Shapard. Nearly $32 million has been raised for this project to date, and The American Cancer Society and Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation continue to seek philanthropic support for ongoing operating expenses.
“This project, the first of its kind in North Texas, is a natural extension of our mission and deep commitment to patients,” said Jim Hinton, CEO, Baylor Scott & White Health. “The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge will be a haven for healing on patients’ journeys; its impact will be exponential, as it will not only help those fighting cancer, but those fighting alongside them.”
The American Cancer Society operates more than 30 Hope Lodge facilities nationwide. Each Hope Lodge community offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when their treatment is away from home. Since 1984, the American Cancer Society has provided more than 5.6 million nights of lodging to patients across the country.
# # #
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White Health promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. An integrated care delivery network, the system includes the Scott and White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance. Through 50 hospitals and more than 1,000 access points including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care, throughout Texas, and via virtual touchpoints. If its service area were a state, it would be the eighth largest, providing care to a population larger than that of the state of Georgia. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing, Baylor Scott & White is proud to honor its century-long legacy through its commitment to improving accessibility, affordability and the customer experience for all. For more information, visit BSWHealth.com.
News Coverage
Print and Online Coverage
KXAS-TV: Hope Lodge Marks One Year Anniversary Helping Cancer Patients and Caregivers
(09/29/22) - The American Cancer Society Jones Family Hope Lodge in Dallas marked its first year helping relieve a financial burden for nearly 400 cancer patients and their caregivers.
Dallas Morning News: Here's how cancer patients can stay free at the Hope Lodge in Dallas
(9/30/21) - The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge in Dallas is up and running for cancer patients who come to Dallas for treatments.
KXAS-TV: Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge Welcomes First Guest in Dallas for Cancer Treatment
(9/30/21) - Guests staying at an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge pay nothing -- the costs to build and maintain the lodges are all covered by donations
WFAA-TV: Cancer Patients and Caregivers to Stay for Free at New Facility Being Built in Dallas
(5/7/19) - The American Cancer Society broke ground on the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge Tuesday.
KXAS-TV: Meet Another Major Donor to Dallas' Hope Lodge
(5/7/19) - The American Cancer Society broke ground on a Hope Lodge facility in Dallas. Jerry Jones and his family gifted $7.5 million to the cause.
My Sweet Charity: Before Shovels Turn Dirt, A Backstory About "Hope" Coming To N. Texas
(5/6/19) - At no cost to patients, the residential facility would provide accommodations for those adults coming to the Dallas area for cancer treatments.
Dallas Morning News: Jerry Jones Family Gives $7.5M for Free Cancer Patient Lodging
(5/5/19) - Dallas is about to get its first American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, thanks to a $7.5 million gift from Gene and Jerry Jones and property donated by Baylor Scott & White Health.
KXAS-TV: Gene and Jerry Jones Donate $7.5M to Create Cancer Care Facility in Dallas
(5/5/19) - One of the most well-known and generous families in North Texas is making a play to improve care and outcomes for cancer patients.
