The American Cancer Society began to pilot a new program, ACS EMPOWER, to four Hope Lodge locations in December, and there are plans to expand the program to all locations later this year. ACS EMPOWER is an interactive educational wellness and integrative health curriculum focused on improving the quality of life for Hope Lodge guests and those in the local community with cancer. The four pilot locations are Iowa City, IA; Jackson, MS; Jacksonville, FL; and Salt Lake City, UT.
“We recognized a need to further support people on their cancer journey, integrating a focus on whole-person health into the Hope Lodge experience; ACS EMPOWER is designed to help people elevate their quality of life by fostering resilience, connection, and well-being,” said Tamara Fernandez, vice president, Hope Lodge.
ACS EMPOWER curriculum is comprised of seven core areas focused on the holistic well-being of people with cancer:
- Engage: Connect to knowledge and support communities, strengthen social networks, combat exclusion, and isolation
- Move: Strengthen, energize, and destress with physical resilience activities
- Play: Harness the power and positive impact of fun at any age; evoke joy and laughter, reduce anxiety, and embrace teamwork
- Optimize: Position to achieve and maintain comprehensive physical and physiologic wellness during active treatment and beyond
- Waken: Elevate consciousness, unleash creativity, and embrace self-expression to support healing
- Enrich: Explore the benefits of complementary, functional, and integrative medicine principles, techniques, and programs
- Resource: Understand the array and availability of non-clinical support resources and health-related social needs programs.
The curriculum will allow each Hope Lodge community to tailor the program to fit the needs of its guests and create meaningful connections within the local community.
"This program is going to revolutionize the Hope Lodge experience and create a brighter, stronger future for the patients and caregivers we serve,” added Tamara.
The varied EMPOWER activities include:
- Cooking demonstrations featuring nutritious, cancer-friendly meals
- Arts and crafts for creative expression and relaxation
- Live music and entertainment to uplift and inspire
- Massage therapy to support stress relief and healing
- Yoga and stretch exercises to enhance physical well-being
- Educational lectures on health, nutrition, and survivorship
Looking Ahead
With its nationwide expansion planned for later this year, ACS EMPOWER represents a new era of integrative oncology support, ensuring that every Hope Lodge guest has access to comprehensive, whole-person care throughout their cancer journey.
