Hope Lodge remains open, but cancer society adapts to protect patients, expects revenue hit

The American Cancer Society continues to serve vulnerable cancer patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Atlanta headquarters and all the nonprofit’s employees across the country are working remotely. ACS provides resources to cancer patients through its 24-hour call center and its website.  ACS has three locations in Tampa Bay.  ACS offers Hope Lodges, housing for out-of-town patients traveling for treatment, as well as transportation to and from appointments. ACS CEO Gary Reedy told the Atlanta Business Chronicle that its Hope Lodges remain open, but staff are screening both patients and caregivers as they arrive for fevers and travel history. Ride shares are beginning to be restricted. The organization postponed all events for the forseeable future. Reedy told the Chronicle the nonprofit began 2020 with a balanced budget, but expects low revenues in Q1 and Q2. ACS gets a significant amount of $50-$60 donations from individuals across the country. He said he expects fewer of those as economic ripple effects from the coronavirus cause layoffs and/or furloughs.