Tampa, FL — HCA Florida Healthcare, as part of HCA Healthcare, announced a $40,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to support the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Tampa. The grant will help provide cancer patients and their caregivers lodging, meals and supportive resources during treatment. The Tampa grant is part of a $240,000 HCA Healthcare Foundation commitment to support Hope Lodge locations in six HCA Healthcare markets, including Charleston, Nashville, Houston, Kansas City, Salt Lake City and Tampa.
For many people, cancer treatment can require traveling far from home, adding financial and emotional strain to an already difficult journey. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 people travel 40 miles or more each year to receive the cancer treatment they need — a number that continues to grow. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge helps ease that burden by providing free lodging and supportive community spaces for patients receiving cancer treatment and their caregivers.
“Access to care goes beyond the walls of a hospital, and a cancer diagnosis can bring added stress for patients and their caregivers,” said Jyric Sims, president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. “We are honored to support the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge Tampa with this grant to help ease part of that burden so they can focus on healing, connection and hope.”
Nearly one in five cancer patients experience difficulty affording basic needs such as food, transportation and lodging during treatment. For patients traveling for care, these challenges can impact energy levels, treatment adherence and overall recovery.
This grant builds on a long-standing partnership between the HCA Healthcare Foundation and American Cancer Society. In addition to philanthropic support, HCA Healthcare colleagues support nonprofit organizations through board service, volunteerism, personal giving and HCA Healthcare gift matching.
HCA Healthcare is deeply committed to supporting people with cancer and advancing oncology care across its network of care. During National Cancer Survivors Month, we honor the 17 to 18 million Americans who have survived cancer. Through the HCA Healthcare Foundation, more than $242 million has been contributed since 1998 to health and well-being initiatives, including cancer care and community support programs.