California Cancer Crushers Donate $10,000 to St. Joseph Hospital’s Evergreen Lodge for Cancer Patients

St. Joseph Hospital’s Evergreen Lodge recently received a $10,000 donation from the California Cancer Crushers, a nonprofit whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer in the Humboldt community.

The Evergreen Lodge is a low-cost home away from home for cancer patients, caregivers and, as space permits, other out-of-town patients undergoing extensive medical treatment at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. No facility of its type existed in the North Coast until St. Joseph Hospital’s Evergreen Lodge opened its doors.

“California Cancer Crushers generous donation will help cover costs for cancer patients staying at Evergreen Lodge when they are under treatment,” said Martha Shanahan, Community Health Investment Manager. “The Evergreen Lodge was designed to offer a safe and stable environment for patients who need to travel far from home for treatment. During this pandemic, the Evergreen Lodge has offered an important benefit -- providing safe, secure lodging for immunocompromised patients.”

“Our number one focus at California Cancer Crushers is raising funds and donating to families and organizations that relieve the financial burden that cancer has on families,” said Karen Clower, who serves on the organization’s board of directors. “The Evergreen Lodge was a natural choice because their comfortable and home-like surroundings that give both physical and emotional comfort to cancer patients.”

California Cancer Crushers support a variety of cancer-related causes. More than half of the funds raised each year stay in the local Humboldt community. Funds help local families with medical costs associated with cancer treatments.

The Evergreen Lodge provides a home away from home for patients living 50 miles away from Eureka. In 2019, 325 people stayed at the lodge for a total of 3,210 nights.