What is Hope Ranch?

It would be our vision to provide a safe, clean, retreat facility that would cater to the special needs of cancer patients and their families. It would offer a short-term vacation or respite opportunity for patients, caregivers, and family members of those living with and surviving cancer.

Why is it needed?

A) Financial – The average cancer survivor, after facing (and beating) perhaps the toughest challenge in their life, is faced with what we commonly call “a new normal”. It is what life is going to be like “after” the immediate threat is gone. They often face tremendous obstacles dealing with emotional issues, employment, insurance, family and fears of the future. One of the biggest issues facing survivors is what Lance Armstrong calls the"80% cancer tax”. It is the financial toll that a survivor experiences from loss of work, lack of adequate insurance coverage, huge medical prescription charges, and the numerous costs associated with follow-up care. Some have to deal with family break-ups and severe disruption of their “normal” lives. Getting back to anything resembling “normal” is a huge challenge both for the cancer survivor and also caregivers and family. We would hope to offer a stay at HOPE RANCH for FREE with the help of grants and donations.

B) Emotional – For all parties involved, beating cancer can have a huge impact on the survivor and caregivers emotionally. Oftentimes, psychological and emotional issues will not be evident until after the clinical phase of treatment is over. Fears of recurrence, fears of loss and fear of the future are some of the pressures felt. Survivors and caregivers need to “heal” emotionally as well as physically. They need to realize that they can get back to their lives. They can create a new life oftentimes as rich as the old one. They need to dream again and realize that a new door has been opened for them to walk thru. Some need to heal spiritually.

C) Safety – Because of the extensive treatment regimens that most survivors have endured, their immune systems are often depressed. This is especially true of Leukemia patients. Clean, safe, vacation environments for cancer patients just don’t exist. When Connie came home for the first time from the hospital, our air ducts had to be cleaned, our floors washed and the carpets steamed. We had a need for special air filters and clean linens daily. Countertops needed to be wiped with Clorox wipes and silverware disinfected. Paper towels and antibacterial soaps were the norm. Bottles of hand gels were required in every bath and at each entry. Cancer patients need specific environs that protect them from germs and disease. Hope Ranch would be a safe respite for survivors, family members and caregivers.

What is the purpose?

HOPE RANCH would be a FREE, family oriented, cancer retreat center that would be available for survivors and their families to begin to “enjoy” life again and find solace and peace to begin or continue the recovery process. It would be a place to unwind, a place to sit and read a book, be alone or take a walk. We would offer discussion groups on financial management, spiritual healing, coping with family issues and creating a new life after cancer.

Who would come?

With over 10 million people currently living with the disease, opportunities would be available for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer within the last 3 years. They would be able to bring their caregivers, family members (up to 4 others) and significant others who have aided in their recovery. It could be a single Mom with her kids, a senior couple who was just diagnosed, a married couple with small children or even a single survivor that needs a break.

Specific qualifying criteria would be established at a later date.

Why would they come?

The first reason would be because it is virtually “FREE”. Guests would be required to provide their own travel to and from the Ranch and possibly a few meals during their stay. The Ranch would seek grants and scholarships to fund travel costs for the disadvantaged. The main reason for coming to the Ranch would be to begin the process of “having fun” again in a safe, clean, relaxing environment catering to the special needs of cancer patients. Patients will be free to “just read a book” or to take advantage of a list of adventure activities available for their families. Tours to local attractions could be arranged.  Guests can chose as little or as much activity as they wish.

Where would it be located?

Depending on the success of the effort, we are thinking about a location either in

a destination vacation area.  Something close to a city but isolated from the hectic pace.  Perhaps a place like Branson, MO or in the mountains of Colorado or California.

What activities would be available?

Depending on the surrounding area and the general location of the Ranch, we would hope to offer many varied activities to our guests. Each guest would be free to “make their own vacation” experience. Some or all of the following could be included:

It would be our intentions to seek “partnerships” with outfitters, tour guides and local businesses to donate some of their services or provide discounted fees for guests of the Ranch each year.

How would it be funded?

Depending on the location of the property and acquisition funds available, Hope Ranch would seek to set up a 501-c-3 foundation to fund the operating costs. In addition, we would “partner” with as many organizations that are prudent to seek funding. These might include the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, or others who might embrace our mission. Acquisition and building funds might come from private donations and/or personal funds. Grants and special government programs might also be available. In addition, special tax incentives and local grants would be investigated for the lodge.

Who would be associated with it?

It would be our hope that a major organization would come along side us in our mission. We would contact numerous charitable organizations and foundations seeking help. In addition, we would seek the endorsement of Hospitals, Oncology Doctors and Nurses, and Churches all over the country to support our cause. We would directly market to them to raise awareness and seek financial support.

What is the business plan?

The first order of business would be to secure a property that would fit the “vision” of Hope Ranch. It would most likely be located in the central U.S. preferably near mountains. It would ideally be located near a major city to have access to Hospitals and Oncology centers should the need arise. We would seek a property that would be able to cater to approximately 10-12 guests at any one time. We are seeking to immediately set up a 501c3 organization to begin receiving funds. A full operational business plan is being developed. If a property needs to be built, the timeline for opening would be longer to achieve.

What would the facility look like?

It depends on the location and availability of properties but, ideally, we would love to build a log-type structure to enhance the serenity of the experience. It would have a main gathering area (living room with massive fireplace) and guest rooms would be located within walking distance to the main lodge or attached to the main structure. If a raw piece of ground could be acquired, the ranch could be designed from scratch with special features built-in, catering to cancer survivor needs. If an existing facility is acquired, the property could be retrofitted to meet these needs. In any event, the facility would have to have a setting that would be safe, refreshing, tranquil, private and functional for relaxing families. A place to share with others, who have “lived in your shoes”.

What would the rooms look like?

Each room would be unique and different from the next. It would be elegantly appointed and provide a relaxing respite from the outside world. We would retrofit each room with air filtration, paper towels, antibiotic soaps, Clorox wipes and special products familiar to those who have been touched by cancer. Each guest would receive a welcome basket of products to enhance their stay. Bathrooms would be cleaned and disinfected each day and bedding cleaned each week to insure the safest of environments. Special needs guests would be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. Each room would be designed with the guest in mind and the needs of various size families.

What makes us qualified to run it?

Nothing really except, we have a heart to serve! We both have extensive business biographies which are available upon request but, suffice it to say that our cancer experience has changed us deeply. We desire to serve others now with our talents, time and expertise. Connie currently is the owner of her own business of 16 years and has vast experience with marketing, operations and fund raising. Ken has been an entrepreneur all his business life. He has been a partner or owner in various capacities for a half a dozen businesses and is currently a Vice President of a local Mortgage company in Kansas City. Early in Ken’s career he was a graduate of General Electric’s Financial Management Program and has extensive experience in running various types of businesses. As mentioned however, the main reason we are passionate about the Ranch is that our hearts have changed and we wish to minister to these folks who’s life has been touched by this terrible disease.

Please help us with any suggestions or ideas you might have for Hope Ranch.

Thank You,
Ken and Connie Cardell
ken@thecardells.com