Charleston, S.C. — HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital, as part of HCA Healthcare, today announced a $40,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to support the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge serving cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers in Charleston, SC. The local grant is part of a $240,000 commitment to support Hope Lodge locations in six HCA Healthcare markets, including Charleston, Nashville, Houston, Kansas City, Salt Lake City and Tampa.
For many patients, 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. Through this grant, the HCA Healthcare Foundation aims to strengthen the Hope Lodge by helping to provide nutritious meals, food security resources and volunteer-led engagement.
“The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Charleston plays a critical role in removing barriers to cancer care by providing patients and their families with a safe, supportive place to stay during treatment,” explained Jeff Wilson, CEO, HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital. “Access to nutritious meals is also essential, helping patients maintain strength and support during recovery. This $40,000 grant reflects our commitment to ensuring patients have the resources, nourishment, and support they need to focus on healing.”
Access to nutritious food is an essential part of cancer treatment and recovery. 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.
Through this grant, Hope Lodge guests in Charleston, SC will be reassured of continued nourishment, comfort and hope while they are undergoing treatment for cancer.
“We are able to continue the more than 50-year mission of The Hope Lodge only through generous gifts such as this from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, HCA Healthcare South Atlantic Division, and HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital,” said Hope Lodge manager Kelsey Ray. “This grant will improve access to healthy meals for our guests, help increase their knowledge and confidence in healthy meal planning and preparation, and will help strengthen their emotional well-being.”
This gift builds on decades of partnership with the HCA Healthcare Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing health and well-being. Beyond philanthropic support, HCA Healthcare colleagues contribute their time, leadership and resources through board service, volunteerism and personal giving, strengthened by HCA Healthcare gift matching.
HCA Healthcare is deeply committed to supporting cancer patients and advancing oncology care across its network of care. 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.