Marshfield Clinic Health System and American Cancer Society Plan Transition of Ownership of Former Hope Lodge

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 -- 12:00 PM

(Hub City Times) Marshfield Clinic Health System and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have partnered on a plan to transition the ownership and operation of the former Hope Lodge facility and an endowment associated with the lodge to the Health System.

According to the Hub City Times, the ACS operated Hope Lodge in Marshfield since it was built in 2003 across the street from Marshfield Medical Center with philanthropic support from the community.

The lodge provided cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay while they underwent cancer treatment. It ceased operations in spring 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since that time, ACS and the Health System have worked together to find a solution that ensures cancer patients and their families will continue to have access to cancer care close to Marshfield Medical Center.

“We’re excited to bring this wonderful facility back in to the Health System and we are grateful to have partnered with the American Cancer Society to find a solution that ensures cancer patients, and their families, will continue to have access to cancer care close to Marshfield Clinic,” said Dr. Brian Hoerneman, interim president, Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

“We also look forward to collaborating with the MCHS foundation to serve the community and those who travel to Marshfield for their cancer care journey,” he added. “We can all be pleased with the outcome.”

The building is undergoing an assessment to identify potential repairs and upgrades so it can be used in the near future to support cancer patients and families. Following the Hope Lodge closure, the Health System provided hotel rooms and apartments for patients and their families staying in Marshfield during their cancer treatment.

In the summer of 2020, the Health System, with tremendous community support, donations and volunteers, completely transformed a building on the medical campus into living accommodations for cancer patients and their families.

Cattails Cottage has 11 private rooms and shared community areas, including two kitchens with a family dining room, laundry, library, and on-site staff and volunteers to help answer questions.

“The Health System is truly grateful to our communities, donors and volunteer leaders who generously stepped up to provide support to help us care for cancer patients and families,” said Teri Wilczek, chief philanthropy officer, Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. “Their ongoing support, especially over the last three years, ensured all patients had a home away from home when needed.”

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