WESTFIELD – The original Westfield Cancer House of Hope (CHH) was created in 1997 with a vision by Gaetana Aliotta and the help and support of Noble Hospital. The Cancer House of Hope’s mission was to provide free of charge support and services in a homelike setting to people with cancer and to their friends and families.
In 2005, a second location was opened in Springfield – continuing to offer the same free-of-charge support and services.
The CHH is staffed by volunteers and professionals who have personally experienced the effect of cancer in their lives. Cancer House of Hope offers an accessible, comfortable, and home-like environment for people living with cancer, their families, and friends. Hundreds of people find support every month at the House as they learn coping strategies and take comfort in knowing they are not alone. ALL of these services are offered free-of-charge. The Cancer House of Hope’s ability to offer these support and services comes from grants, fundraising events and donations. In January of 2011, the Cancer House of Hope merged with CHD, allowing the Cancer House of Hope to receive more support, resources and guidance, while continuing to offer the same free-of-charge support and services. In January of 2013, the CHH combined their two locations to one location, in West Springfield, located at 1999 Westfield Street.
The CHD’s Cancer House of Hope’s long-running “Lights of Hope” Luminaria event will be held this year on Monday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m. at the Genesis Spiritual Life Center, 53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA, and is again sponsored by Westfield Bank. This event honors and remembers loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer. Each bag is hand written, and hand placed on the green on Monday evening, dedicated to loved ones and lit in their memory
The House is very grateful for the support of many volunteers, committee members, and students from local schools, including the Westfield Vocational High School and St. Mary’s High School. This year, Westfield Gas & Electric, assisted with power and lighting.
To purchase Luminaria bags at $5 each or to make a donation to support the House, please fill out the slip below and mail it to CHD’s Cancer House of Hope: Luminarias, 1999 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA 01089. For more information, call Lauri the Cancer House of Hope at (413) 733-1858.
