Markey and Affiliates Organize Second 'Sharing Hope' Donation Drive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2011) − The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and affiliated hospitals in the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network held their second annual "Sharing Hope" event Friday morning.

"Sharing Hope" is a donation drive that benefits the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Lexington. The Hope Lodge provides free, private overnight rooms for cancer patients and their caregivers to help ease the emotional and financial burden many of them face away from home. To provide this service, the Hope Lodge relies upon support from individuals, corporations and foundations.

For the event, each participating hospital partnered with local schools or others in the community to collect much-needed supplies for patients staying at the Hope Lodge. This year, the items eligible for donation included paper products, such as paper towels or toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.  

"The Hope Lodge has been a wonderful service for so many patients who have traveled to Markey for their cancer care," said Dr. Dennie Jones, medical director of the affiliate network. "'Sharing Hope' is a great way to raise donations for this invaluable program while also raising awareness for the lodge in other Kentucky communities."

Thousands of items were donated by hospital employees, students and staff of partner schools, and community members. The collected items were presented at a special ceremony.

"We want to thank the affiliate network for all their support," said Sheldon Kozee, director of the ACS Hope Lodge in Lexington. "The response has been overwhelming, and it's really a testament to how great these affiliates are in the communities they service."

The affiliate network is comprised of Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mount Vernon, Hazard ARH Cancer Center, Frankfort Regional Medical Center, Georgetown Community Hospital, Harrison Memorial Hospital in Cynthiana, St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, and Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell.

The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network is a group of hospitals that provide high-quality cancer services and programs in their communities with the support and guidance of the UK Markey Cancer Center. Its vision is for all Kentuckians to have access to excellent cancer care, offering advanced treatments and support services delivered with compassion and respect.

Donations to the ACS Hope Lodge in Lexington may also be made online.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry, (859) 323-2399 or allison.perry@uky.edu.