Founded by a passionate group of nurses, Santa’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Oncology Patients Everywhere) was created to bring joy, dignity and comfort to cancer patients receiving care at ECU Health Cancer Care at the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Tower during the holiday season. This heartfelt initiative offers patients a unique and meaningful way to experience the magic of the holidays without the added stress, expense or health risks often associated with crowded public spaces.
Santa’s H.O.P.E. provides a free, in-facility shopping experience that prioritizes patient safety and well-being. Both hospitalized patients and those receiving outpatient treatment are invited to select gifts for their loved ones in a warm, welcoming environment. Every gift is thoughtfully chosen and funded entirely through donations, removing financial burden while preserving the joy of giving.
Over the past two years, Santa’s H.O.P.E. has made an impact for nearly 800 patients, offering moments of comfort, connection and holiday cheer during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Through generosity and compassion, Santa’s H.O.P.E. ensures that no patient has to miss the spirit of the season while undergoing cancer treatment.
“Thank you to all of the donors who gave to Santa’s H.O.P.E. philanthropically or by giving items generously. This gave our cancer patients a safe place to come and “shop” for their loved ones without having the worry of financial burdens. We are truly grateful for your support.” – Christine Smith, Santa’s H.O.P.E. Coordinator, Manager of Patient Care Services, Cancer Center Medical Oncology
The ECU Health Cancer Care team is hoping to make the holidays brighter for Cancer patients during their stay through the annual Santa’s H.O.P.E. pop-up store experience.
Santa’s Helping Oncology Patients Everywhere, or H.O.P.E., is a donation-funded event that creates a memorable holiday experience for hospital-bound adult Cancer patients as they shop for gifts for their loved ones, free of charge. Donations provide unwrapped presents for patients to choose from as they shop, sip on hot chocolate and enjoy snacks.
In years past, nurses and other team members at the Cancer Center have come together to organize the store and buy gifts with their own money for patients. This year, ECU Health is hoping to receive community support through donations so that more patients can take part and select gifts.
New, unwrapped gifts can be donated to Santa’s H.O.P.E. You can also donate monetarily through the ECU Health Foundation here.
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