In a move to break down even more barriers to world-class cancer care, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Baltimore, MD, community broke ground April 8 on a new center across the street from its existing facility. The future 34-guestroom Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge Baltimore will feature eight more guest rooms and modern new amenities, increasing guest capacity by 30% over the present 26-guestroom Hope Lodge Baltimore built in 1987.
Harkins Builders is constructing within a vacant building on the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, and it is anticipated to be completed within 12 months. The $10 million Hope Lodge Baltimore Capital Campaign is less than $400,000 from completion.
Pictured above, Dr. Kevin Cullen, former director, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and former ACS National Board Chair, swings a sledgehammer at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Pictured at right are, left to right, Dr. Bert O’Malley, CEO, University of Maryland Medical Center; Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, chair, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Board of Directors; Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer, American Cancer Society; Dr. Bill Regine, chair, Baltimore Hope Lodge Capital Campaign, chair, Radiation Oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center, executive director of the Maryland Proton Treatment Center; Retired Lt. Col. Julie Walker, co-chair, Baltimore Hope Lodge Capital Campaign, cancer survivor, and former Baltimore Hope Lodge guest; Dr. Lisa Ishii, senior vice president, Operations, Johns Hopkins Health System; and Lisa Lacasse, president, ACS CAN.
Speakers at the groundbreaking event included:
- Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society
- Tswana Sewell, Vice President, American Cancer Society, Greater DC/Baltimore
- Jamie McCann, Principal of Philanthropy, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
- Therese Gustitis, General Manager, Hope Lodge Baltimore
- Dr. William Regine, Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center, and Chair of Radiation Oncology at University of Maryland Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Co-Chair of Hope Lodge Baltimore Capital Campaign
- Lt. Col. (ret.) Julie Walker, cancer survivor and former Hope Lodge guest, and Co-Chair of Hope Lodge Baltimore Capital Campaign
- Dr. Bruce Jarrell, President, University of Maryland Baltimore
- Dr. Kevin Cullen, Professor of Medicine at University of MD School of Medicine; Immediate Past Director, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and American Cancer Society 2018 National Board Chair
- Dr. Lisa Ishii, Senior Vice President, Operations, Johns Hopkins Health System
- Alden “Smitty” Bradstock, President, Veteran Design & Construction Inc.; Baltimore Hope Lodge Captial Campaign Committee Member
- Scott Fader, Chief Operating Officer, MileOne AutoGroup
- Pete and Gail Mariner, Hope Lodge Baltimore Guests
Background on Baltimore
Hope Lodge Baltimore is consistently occupied and often has a waiting list. In 2024, Hope Lodge Baltimore provided more than 13,000 free night stays to more than 500 guests saving them approximately $1.6 million in hotel costs. With hotel rooms approximately $220 a night, the average Hope Lodge guest, who may stay four to eight weeks, saves approximately $10,000, helping alleviate financial challenges such as lost income and medical bills. Guests can prepare their own meals, saving on dining costs. Hope Lodge’s free transportation van gave guests 3,500 rides to treatment last year. Many volunteer groups host meals, donate supplies, and provide entertainment and activities for Hope Lodge.
