February 21, 2011
Who are we, anyway?
Ribbon of Hope is a local non-profit organization separate from, but affiliated with Elkhart General Health Systems in Elkhart, Indiana. Although Ribbon of Hope has been around Elkhart Hospital for about a decade you may not know much about our organization or about the ways that we serve adult cancer patients and their families. Although we primarily serve patients from Elkhart General, we will gladly extend help to any adult cancer patient, no matter where they receive care.
Ribbon of Hope offers emotional and spiritual support for cancer patients. Unfortunately the terms “emotional and spiritual support” don’t provide the same kind of solid definition that “radiation” or “chemotherapy” provide.
Cancer causes emotional and spiritual damage as well as physical damage. When there is no quick fix for cancer, friends and family may pull away, fearful of a coming loss or hoping to avoid facing their own weakness and mortality. Ribbon of Hope steps into that aloneness to show faithfulness and caring. Our experienced volunteers stand in the gap, building relationships and bringing hope. On occasion we may also be able to help with tangible services like raking leaves in the fall or helping a patient get to their doctor’s appointment.
Anyone can refer a cancer patient to Ribbon of Hope. If you or a close friend or family member has cancer, give us a call toll free at 877-513-1245 . If you see that a friend or neighbor doesn’t have a good support network, ask them if they would like to know more about our services. We will be happy to talk with them and let them decide if they want our help.
Cancer not only affects the patient. Family and caregivers also have their lives turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis. Ribbon of Hope cares for the caregiver, during the patient’s recovery, or standing alongside a grieving spouse or family member.
Ribbon of Hope is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, and churches. We do not charge for any of our services. All contributions to Ribbon of Hope are tax deductible. If you would like to make a donation, return to our website [www.ribbonofhope.org] and click on the Paypal button. Thank you.
