Community Corner
Crossing the Nation for Cancer Survivors Endurance Journey
Extreme athlete visits Hope Lodge Baltimore on a 1,600 mile run to support the 31 free American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities
American Cancer Society DetermiNation Endurance Series athletes Ramon Bermo and David Grier are making an 8-week run across the United States, covering 1,600 miles each to raise $500,000 for the American Cancer Society to recognize the 500,000 free night stays Hope Lodge communities offer to cancer patients annually.
Bermo and Grier began their journey April 2 from each U.S. coast (Bermo from NYC, Grier from San Francisco). They will meet midway at the Omaha City Hope Lodge on June 2, which is Cancer Survivors Day. Each plans to cover 31 miles per day to symbolize the 31 free American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities nationwide that provide a home-away-from-home for cancer patients who need to travel long distance for treatment, saving guests more than $43M last year in lodging costs.
On the 7th day of his journey, Bermo arrived at Hope Lodge Baltimore for a celebratory dinner where he was greeted by Hope Lodge guests, staff, American Cancer Society Advisory Board members and volunteers. He is stopping at as many Hope Lodge communities as possible as he makes his way to Omaha. In 2023, Baltimore Hope Lodge provided close to 7,500 free night stays to 304 guests, saving them approximately $1.1M in lodging costs.
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To amplify the efforts of these two remarkable athletes, anyone can support them and the Hope Lodge mission by donating or joining a virtual Crossing the Nation event and challenge themselves to reach 3.1 miles a day or 31 miles per week. Click here or go to https://runsignup.com/crossing... for more information and run sign-up.
WHY:
Find out what's happening in Baltimorefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For this first time ever in the U.S., more than 2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, according the American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Facts & Figures. Hope Lodge communities nationwide offer an inviting, supportive environment with the comforts of home, including private guest rooms, a communal kitchen, dining area, laundry rooms, and gathering spaces. In addition to reducing the financial strain of lodging, Hope Lodge offers a source of peer support and comfort. Many volunteer groups and companies host dinners for Hope Lodge guests to alleviate the stress of shopping, preparing food, and meal costs while away from home. Funds raised during the Crossing the Nation for Cancer Survivors run support the operational costs of the Hope Lodge network.
