Pennsylvania family gets a surprise on evening of dedication.
Do you believe in karma? Fate? If not, this Hope Lodge story may make a believer out of you.
Recently, the Live Like Brent Foundation (LLBF) recently endowed a guest room at the AstraZeneca American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, which is nestled upon a hill in the Cheltenham neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. Brent Evans was a dynamic young man from Wilkes-Barre, PA, who passed away from lymphoma at age 33 in 2017 after going in and out of remission for seven years. Brent was a young, active individual with a vivacious and friendly demeanor, whose “hellos” quickly turned into lifelong friendships.
During his cancer treatment in New York City, Brent and his mother Karen stayed at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center in Manhattan. “We felt Hope Lodge was a beacon during the storm – a welcoming place to stay, especially after a long day of treatment. It really helped to lessen the burden,” Karen said.
One of Brent’s closest friends, Josh Frank, LLBF president, recalls, “People loved being around Brent. He had a magnetic personality.” The LLBF website states, “He had the unique ability to bring people together,” and in the most magical ways.
Brent founded an incredible snowboarding fundraiser, Carve 4 Cancer, to help blood cancer patients in need. To honor Brent, his close friends and family created the foundation in his name to continue his work.
This April, Brent’s parents and friends, who live in Pennsylvania, visited Hope Lodge Philadelphia to host a dinner and dedicate room 304 as the Live Like Brent Foundation Room. To their amazement, the guest staying in the room selected by the family to become the Live Like Brent Room was also named Brent. Plus the guest, Brent Ransom, is from the same area of Pennsylvania as the Evanses.
Brent’s mom and dad were incredibly moved by this amazing coincidence. Tears came to their eyes with smiles knowing that their son was clearly working his magic. It seemed like Brent’s magnetic draw was at work. “That was Brent,” said Brent’s father, Ken, during the visit. “He made this happen.” Once again, Brent Evans was bringing people together.
Was this special moment coincidence? A sign? A message from above connecting people when they most needed it? It almost does not matter.
