Carson Tahoe Health launches 'HopeFest 2021: A Walk of Hope' to help patients facing cancer
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 07/19/2021 - 12:29pm
Carson Tahoe Health is pleased to announce that HopeFest has evolved. This year, Carson Tahoe Health will host a Virtual Walk of Hope. Over the years, HopeFest proceeds have supported patients by covering insurance premiums, co-pays, mortgages, rent, and utilities for those unable to work during treatment, and much more. The money raised in 2021 will help our neighbors facing cancer by helping to refurbish the Merriner Cottages; our ‘home away from home’ bungalows provided to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
It may be difficult to believe, but the Carson Tahoe Health Merriner Cottages are turning 15 years old! The 15 cottages provide safe stays for patients facing cancer and their families with comfortable, no-cost lodging next to the Carson Tahoe Health Cancer Center, where they’re receiving care.
“The Merriner Cottages, made possible through a gracious donation from Ruth Merriner, have helped in the healing of hundreds,” Angelina Craig, Center for Philanthropy Director at Carson Tahoe. “Because they’ve been well used and well-loved for nearly 15 years, they are showing some wear and tear and we have the opportunity to be strategic in planning for thoughtful upgrades for our patients.”
For the last 15 years, the Merriner cottages have hosted an average of 1,875 night stays per year for a total of over 28,135 nights of free lodging for people with cancer and their families. We estimate a cost of $80 per night, based on local hotel accommodations, which means that over the years the 15 Merriner Cottages have saved patients over $2,250,800.00.
A donation to HopeFest will help with the renovation of the Merriner Cottages and support people like Linda who, when asked about the quality of her stay said, “I’m going to start crying. They just took the best care of me. I was able to recover with peace and solitude. I was 90 pounds on chemotherapy, and I'm finally gaining weight and eating all day long.” Linda was so inspired by her stay that she, herself, contributed for more comfortable chairs.
To support the future of the Merriner Cottages, we invite you to join us in the HopeFest: Walk of Hope officially starting August 1.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Purchase raffle tickets! HopeFest raffle tickets are available for purchase online. For each ticket, you’ll be entered to win $10,000 or a new car, thanks to Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota). The winner will be announced via the Carson Tahoe Health Facebook page on August 31.
Register to walk! For just $25, you can support your neighbors facing cancer AND your own health. Participation is simple — walk, roll, or bike anywhere, anytime during the month of August, our month of hope.
When you register, you’ll receive a virtual race packet with a few suggested routes and other race details.
P.S. Carson Tahoe truly believes that nature inspires healing. We recently sponsored five acres of Sugar Pine at the site of the Washoe Valley fire through the Sugar Pine Foundation. When you register for the walk, ultimately, you’re helping sequester carbon, so that we can all enjoy some fresh oxygen along our favorite hikes and trails.
We’re still accepting corporate sponsors. More information is available on our website below.
“Your HopeFest participation, big or small, helps carry out Ruth Merriner’s vision of keeping families together, inspiring strength, and giving comfort and support to rural patients and families receiving essential medical care,” Craig said. “From all of us at Carson Tahoe Health, thank you.”
Sign up and learn more at CarsonTahoe.com/Hopefest.
Let’s make this year’s HopeFest a big success for our neighbors with cancer!
About Carson Tahoe Health
As a local, not-for-profit healthcare system, Carson Tahoe Health has been part of our community since 1949. We have 240 licensed acute care beds and serve a thriving community of over 250,000. Carson Tahoe Health, an Affiliate of University of Utah Health consists of two hospitals, two urgent cares, an emergent care center, outpatient services, and a provider network with locations across the region. Our medical campus features our ‘flagship’, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, which was voted No. 1 hospital in Nevada by US World & Report. We were the first baby-friendly designated hospital in Nevada and have been certified as a primary stroke center. The freestanding Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, an affiliate of Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah is located on the medical campus and provides comprehensive cancer services from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and support. To learn more about Carson Tahoe Health, go to www.CarsonTahoe.com.
