Press Releases

American Cancer Society Breaks Ground on Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge
May 7, 2019
Offering cancer patients free lodging while traveling for treatment

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.