We are extremely grateful to be the Construction Manager on this impactful project. Read more about the project and the mission of For Pete's Sake ® Cancer Respite Foundation in the post below. #TheGoldStandard
25 years ago, I sat planning my late husband’s funeral and contemplated his dying wish – to start an organization that would dispel the isolation of a cancer diagnosis and bring the gift of respite to patients and their families. For 25 years, every one of you - family, friends, colleagues, patients, caregivers, oncology professionals, volunteers, and FPS donors – have embraced his vision. Today, the final chapter of his dying wish is being written and culminates with some BIG news: For Pete's Sake ® Cancer Respite Foundation, in partnership with Woodloch Resort, is creating the nation's first Cancer Respite Center for families facing cancer. (You read it right, the FIRST for families of all cancer types). This Center, the very heart of Pete's dream before his passing at age 30, will serve over 4,000 individuals annually and is expected to open in late 2026. A generous $3.5 million RACP grant from Governor Josh Shapiro has propelled us forward in a significant way, and I am deeply grateful to Senator Lisa Baker for carrying the needs of every FPS Family in her advocacy of this endeavor. So many others, from both public and private sectors, have rallied behind respite and its therapeutic benefits. This RACP grant brings us one step closer to making his dream a reality, and I look forward to creating a place where every family who needs respite can find peace, connection, and hope. Respite is a chance for families dealing with cancer to take a meaningful break from the day-to-day challenges of illness. The nation’s first-ever Cancer Respite Center will be a safe space where families can share meals, heal with art, find peace in nature, refresh with some laughter and fun, and strengthen the connections that make life meaningful (check out the website below to see the breadth of experience). Pete and I experienced the first respite together, and for us, simply being present with one another, holding hands, and sharing silence was part of our experience. Respite looks different for every family, but the profound ability to transform time is the same for all. We’re still seeking support to make this project a reality. Whether through donations, advocating for our mission, cheering us on, or sharing this post (let’s show good news can travel fast), every effort helps! Visit www.RespiteTransformed.org to learn more and help us transform cancer care. Let’s do this together. Many Pennsylvania leaders and loyal corporate and individual supporters of FPS have witnessed and are committed to the inspirational vision that encompasses the nation’s first dedicated Cancer Respite Center. Those leaders for our RACP support include: Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Lisa Baker, Representative Jeff Olsommer, Representative Jonathan Fritz, Senator Maria Collett , Senator Rosemary Brown, Representative Tarah Probst, Pike County Commissioners, Wayne County Commissioners, Lackawaxen Township Supervisors, Pike County EDA Executive Director, Mike Sullivan