Ciao Bella! USA Summer 2015 | Page 35

Jerry and Gene Jones Janice and Robert McNair Photo by Axelle/ Bauer-Griffin Photo by Bob Levey/ Getty Images and the added expense of coming here and staying for an extended period of time brings an additional burden onto a family that is already under so much stress,? says McNair. There are currently 31 Hope Lodges operated by the Society nationwide, including Lubbock. Due to patient demand, Hope Lodge Houston will be the largest in the nation with 62 patient suites. At capacity, the Lodge will offer approximately 23,000 nights of lodging per year, representing a combined savings of over $2 million to patients. Hope Lodge Houston will be open year-round with a unique homelike setting that includes a shared kitchen, dining spaces, a help-yourself pantry, daily access to fresh linens, patient laundry facilities and a library with Internet access as well as free transportation to and from treatment facilities. Once constructed, Hope Lodge Houston will be southeast Texas?first and only no-cost residence specifically for cancer patients, helping to alleviate the overwhelming financial burden these families face. ?Bob and Janice McNair are family-oriented, entrepreneurial, andcivic-minded. They have provided a simple way to make a meaningful contribution to the future health of thousands of cancer patients,? said Sandy Biggers, American Cancer Society?s campaign director. ?Whether you are able to give $5, $25, $100 or $10,000, the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation will increase your gift. The McNair Foundation?s fundraising challenge provides an incredible opportunity for people to truly make an impact.With everyone?s help ? we can meet this challenge! " said campaign director, Sandy Biggers. To learn more about the Hope Lodge Houston campaign, visit www.cancer.org/hopelodgehouston, or contact Sandy Biggers, campaign director, at (713) 706-5640 or [email protected]. 35