ECU Health Honored at McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge Celebration

On April 30, the American Cancer Society organized an intimate celebration honoring their collaboration with ECU Health, which resulted in transforming the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge into a temporary haven for individuals undergoing cancer treatment in Eastern North Carolina. The event took place in Greenville, NC.

The McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge Opened in the spring of 2002, this facility stands as the sole Hope Lodge in North Carolina and counts among just 31 such locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It offers a caring, homelike setting where adult patients undergoing outpatient cancer therapy can stay if they reside more than 40 miles from their treatment site. In the past year, 454 visitors enjoyed 4,785 complimentary stays at the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge in Greenville, facilitated through donor contributions and collaboration with ECU Health.

A standard cancer treatment plan involving surgery and radiation over a period of six to eight weeks frequently causes the price of care to balloon due to associated travel expenses. The cost for accommodations may run as high as $17,000.

ECU Health cares for more than 80,000 patients annually. Each year, around 4,000 individuals receive an initial cancer diagnosis at ECU Health, making the proximity of such facilities incredibly significant for them.

This establishment includes 20 bedrooms, a library, computer space, lounging zones, open-air pathways for strolling, shared cooking facilities, and washrooms with attendants present on site along with numerous additional amenities.

Dr. Mary Raab established the Hope Lodge that began operations in 2002, aiming to support the residents of eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Raab mentioned, “Often patients wonder where they can find someone to discuss these issues with for the necessary support during such challenging times. This uncertainty just adds to their stress and anxieties, which undoubtedly affects both their treatments and overall outcomes.”

"Enhancing comfort for another person during their journey is the primary aim of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges overall," stated Dr. Raab.

The lodge requires approximately $1 million annually to maintain operations, and with the support of the ECU Health partnership, it has been able to sustain its activities.

"The Hope Lodge is an incredible facility and the sole one in North Carolina due to the rural nature of the patients we cater to," stated Brian Floyd, the Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health.

They have access to places here that offer compassion, assistance with various tasks, accommodations, as well as transportation to their required destinations," Floyd explained. "It's an honor for us to provide such support since it genuinely aids in achieving our aim of enhancing healthcare and overall wellness within eastern North Carolina.

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