“I like to create environments; I find great joy in
creating environments where things can grow. We try to create an environment of
peace so when someone comes in here, just full of unanswered questions, not
knowing the future…they might find peace here at the Hope Lodge…if everything
is in a state of excellence, people can relax.”
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| Danny Sheltz, Director Hope Lodge |
These
are the words of the director of the Hope Lodge, Mr. Danny Sheltz. He’s been in the director’s position at the
lodge for about two and one half years now and feels as though he has found his
calling in this world. How he came to be
here is an interesting story which I will briefly share with you.
In
2010, his wife, Tammy, went in for an
annual physical. At the end of the
session, the doctor asked if there was anything else she needed to be aware
of. She responded, “well, yes, I have
this tingling sensation here on my left side; but it’s no big deal….” As the doctor examined her a strange quiet
came over the room and the doctor immediately ordered a CT scan. Called in the next day, she was informed that
she had cancer! Time stood still.
There
was a softball sized tumor growing off the kidney and the fear was that it
would attach to other organs. At this time, the Sheltz’ did not know the American
Cancer Society (ACS) existed. While
visiting his local coffee shop, Danny engaged in conversation with the owner
and he said, “Hey, my wife works for the ACS and I’d like to give you some
numbers to call. The support and
information the Sheltz received from the ACS was phenomenal.
During
the process of her becoming cancer free, Danny kiddingly said, “Hey Honey, when
you get better, I’m going to quit my job at the church and get a job with the
American Cancer Society.”
They
still had to go through the anguish of waiting for surgery dates and
treatments. Many were the nights his wife cried herself to sleep. They felt very secure with their doctor who
subsequently performed a five hour surgery.
He came out and said, “I got everything and was able to leave half the
kidney. The anxiety and anguish
disappeared in a second.
Danny
tried to return to the work he’d known for 22 years with youth and his heart
was not in it any longer. He gave the
church four –months’ notice and quit his job with nothing lined up; until the
same coffee shop friend told Danny that the director’s job at the Hope Lodge
was available and maybe he should think about applying. His skill set seemed ideal and the rest is
history and he’s now been the director at the Hope Lodge since May 2011.
The American Cancer Society and the Hope Lodge
seek these three goals:
Provide no-cost lodging to help alleviate the
strain of travel and long-term treatment.
Estimated
savings of $2, 293,200.00 to guest in 2012.
Provide a strong support network and access to
cancer information, resources and programs designed to enhance the quality of
life of cancer patients and caregivers.
99%
of guests said that Hope Lodge provided a supportive, homelike environment.
Offer meaningful ways to stay involved with the
Hope Lodge for the community, area survivors and former Hope Lodge guests.
280-300
former guests returned to celebrate life at the 14th Reunion of the
Hope Lodge in Atlanta.
This
place works. It is truly a blessing to
stay here and to draw upon the commonality of experience from the other
residents. Their stories are similar yet
different. When you say, I’m having a really bad day, they understand. And they’re more than willing to listen.
If
you’re looking for a worthwhile cause, I unequivocally recommend the American
Cancer Society and particularly, the Hope Lodge.
Muggy and I walked back to the Candler Mansion this afternoon and then found a pretty waterfall.
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| Nice crib huh? |
And, it was graduation night again this evening. The longer we are here, the more difficult it becomes to say good-bye to our friends. But, they are anxious to return to their families, friends and lives. We will miss them. And, the pot luck dinner was amazing!!
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| the Grads tonight, Alex, Janet, Carolyn & Dick |
