Gifts of Hope breaks ground on expansion
Gifts of Hope provides lodging to people from across the Permian Basin region and Eastern New Mexico who are undergoing cancer treatment.
Staff was joined by volunteers, board members, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, medical professionals, the FMH Foundation, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Texas Oncology among others for the occasion.
Hope House, as it is also called, currently has four private rooms each with a separate en suite bathroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen. All offered at no charge, with the exception of the patient's food, the website said.
Patients are able to stay at Hope House in Odessa, with a referral from Texas Oncology-Odessa West Texas Cancer Center. Patients must live 30 miles or more from Ector County and be in active treatment, the website said.
Executive Director Brenda Medlock said the expansion will enable them to add four additional bedrooms, a new laundry room, refreshment bar, office space and a Look Good, Feel Good shop. Each bedroom can hold up to three people.
Last month, they had more than 15 requests to stay at Hope House, Medlock said. This week, they had nine requests. Some people are returning for treatment.
"That tells you the need in this community," she added.
The expansion has been in the making for more than four years, Medlock said. About a year and a half ago, they decided they could make the expansion work.
She said the project cost is about $900,000.
They hope to open the expansion in September of this year. Fletco is doing the construction.
Board President Blake Little said in remarks that the board had worked its tail off to get this project going. He believes strongly in the organization because they are helping people who can't help themselves.
"(They are) going through the worst time right now. Cancer is an awful thing. It's probably one of the worst things ... people can go through and us to be able to help people that literally can't take care of themselves go home and have the means to take care of themselves ... that helps me push for this every day," Little said.
Having the expansion start to become a reality is awesome and he is grateful for all the community support, he added.
"It's truly a blessing. It's a mess right now because of the way the construction is going, but it's going to be awesome with us doubling the size of it, (doubling) the amount of people we can help on a daily basis, which truly means a lot," Little said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Charity set up in memory of baby helps 50 families
A baby loss charity that strives to ensure "no family faces this heart-wrenching journey alone" has helped more than 50 families in its first 18 months. Leila and Barry Hobart set up Little Wings of Hope in memory of their son Oscar, who lived for just a few hours after arriving prematurely at 23 weeks. "When we came out of hospital, we searched for help and support and found there was such a lack," Ms Hobart said, from Witham in Essex. A sponsored walk up Snowdon, in Gwynedd, Wales, recently raised nearly £13,000 for the charity, which is "a life-changing amount of money" for it, she said. "It'll enable us to continue our work and help that next family who will sadly lose their baby - and keep Oscar's legacy alive." The charity has been running since January 2024 and now supports bereaved parents in Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent and Cambridgeshire, as well as Essex. 'Just too little' Ms Hobart, a first-time mother, "didn't think I'd be walking out of the hospital with a box rather than my baby". Oscar arrived prematurely in July 2023 at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and, despite the best efforts of the "amazing" medical team, he "was just too little" to survive more than a few hours, she said. "I'll always be so grateful for that time I had with Oscar, but I'm also mindful that other families don't get that opportunity to hold their babies for as long to see them breathe," she said. "We had that time to make those memories, to speak to him to let him know that we loved him, that he was loved." Within a month, the couple were trying to set up a charity to provide the sort of support they would have appreciated themselves from others going through it. Jasmine and Owen, who live near Norwich, lost their son Sunny two months ago, when Jasmine was 38 weeks pregnant. "It's like a bad dream, a nightmare that you couldn't wake up from, and everything stops around you," said Jasmine. Owen had to break the news to their six-year-old son Harry and said: "I'll never forget having that conversation with him - life changed for us and it will always be different." Jasmine said the support from Little Wings of Hope is making a difference: "They describe it as a hole in your heart - over time the hole gets smaller but it never goes away, and it will always hurt and there will never be a time when you move on you'll never forget." Baby loss in the UK 13 babies die shortly before during or after birth every day in the UK At least one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage The UK baby death rate is said to be average compared to other European countries But some countries such as Sweden consistently perform better Source: Sands & Tommy's Joint Policy Unit Ms Hobart said these figures were "far bigger than we imagined". "Over the last 18 months, we have been able to support over 50 families and that for me screams there is a need for support out there for families - this year alone we've had 35 inquiries for help and support," she said. The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Grandad cycling 250 miles for baby loss charity 'I still haven't spoken to my mum about losing my baby' Special service will help families mark baby loss Related internet links Little Wings of Hope
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Yahoo
The Inner Circle acknowledges, Brian K. Butcher, MD, FAAP as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Brian K. Butcher, MD, FAAP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Delivering Compassionate, Family-Centered Pediatric Care and Childhood Literacy. Dr. Brian K. Butcher, MD, FAAP, a dedicated pediatrician and board-certified specialist, continues to make a significant impact in family-centered pediatric care through his private practice, Pediatrics at Oyster Point. Serving families across the Virginia Peninsula, Dr. Butcher is recognized for his holistic approach to childhood health, focusing on physical health, development, and mental health. His commitment to children extends beyond the exam room—he is also a published author, using storytelling as a tool to support confidence and emotional well-being in young readers. Little Speck is a heartwarming rhyming story that follows Kiko, a very small girl with a very big wish—to grow. When she realizes that getting bigger is beyond her control, Kiko begins to explore the tiny wonders of the world around her. With gentle guidance from her mother, she learns to embrace her size and discovers the joy of being exactly who she is. Thoughtfully written to support emotional growth and self-worth, Little Speck is a delightful and encouraging read for children of all ages. Little Speck is available for purchase at: Dr. Butcher's journey in medicine began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Washington and Lee University, followed by his Doctor of Medicine from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at Vidant Health in Greenville, North Carolina, solidifying his expertise in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Inspired early in life by his childhood pediatrician, Dr. Thomas Payne, he has built a career centered on meaningful relationships and compassionate care. Since beginning his pediatric career in 1999 at Peninsula Pediatrics, Dr. Butcher has been steadfast in his commitment to improving the lives of children and families. In 2012, he co-founded Pediatrics at Oyster Point and took full ownership in 2016, where he has since focused on creating a warm, supportive environment for patients and their families. His practice prioritizes childhood mental health and development, emphasizing open communication and education to empower parents in their children's well-being. Dr. Butcher has demonstrated leadership beyond the clinic walls, actively serving on the Children's Health Network Board of Directors and mentoring medical students, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. His office proudly supports the Dolly Parton Reading Foundation, reinforcing his passion for childhood literacy and education. Dr. Butcher is married to Valerie, his supportive wife, together, they have two accomplished children, Jacob and Alyssa. When not in his practice, Dr. Butcher enjoys music, gardening, traveling, and all things Disney. Deeply rooted in his local community, he participates in church activities and maintains a balance of personal and professional fulfillment. Looking to the future, Dr. Butcher plans to continue delivering exceptional pediatric care, strengthening trust with families, and advocating for childhood literacy through storytelling and creative endeavors. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Inner Circle Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Swordsman accused of murdering schoolboy ‘became psychotic after taking cannabis'
A man who murdered a 14-year-old schoolboy with a Japanese sword experienced psychotic episodes after taking cannabis, a court has heard. Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, believed 'he was in a battle against evil forces' when he allegedly stabbed Daniel Anjorin as he walked to school in Hainault, north-east London, on April 30 last year. He is said to have 'moved quickly like a predator' behind Daniel before inflicting a 'devastating and unsurvivable chopping injury' to his face and neck. The Spanish-Brazilian national, from Newham, east London, is also accused of attacking four others, including two police officers, during a 20-minute rampage. He has denied eight of the 10 charges against him, including murder. A trial at the Old Bailey heard on Wednesday that Mr Monzo's mental state had been 'materially altered' by cannabis use and, at the time of the alleged attack, he had 'developed a cannabis induced fully fledged psychotic episode characterised by reality distortion symptoms'. Tom Little KC, prosecuting, said Mr Monzo was 'informed by his delusional beliefs that he and his family were in mortal danger, and that he was engaged in a battle against evil forces at a time of revelation or Armageddon'. He said cannabis was identified in Mr Monzo's urine and blood samples after the incident and a 'large amount' of cannabis was also found in a search of his house along with a 'skinned and deboned cat'. Mr Little, quoting forensic psychiatrist Prof Nigel Blackwood, who will later be called by the prosecution, said: 'In Prof Blackwood's opinion, cannabis misuse appears to have been the principal driver of his mental state deterioration at this time. 'The violence would not, in Prof Blackwood's opinion, have happened in the absence of such voluntary substance misuse.' Mr Monzo appeared in the dock wearing a bright green jumper with short, cropped hair and stubble. He looked furtively around the court at times and spoke often to security guards sitting on either side of him. Daniel's family were also in the court. Mr Little said Mr Monzo had left his home just before 6.30am in his van, wearing a yellow Quiksilver hoodie, black trousers, and black shoes. He said the attack started at about 6.51am when he drove his van into Donato Iwule, a pedestrian in Laing Close, causing him to be 'catapulted some distance into a garden'. Video footage of the incident was played to the jury, in which Mr Iwule, who had been walking to a Co-Op store where he worked, can be heard screaming in pain. Mr Monzo allegedly then left the vehicle and approached Mr Iwule with a samurai sword. Mr Little said: 'Donato Iwule shouted at him 'I don't know you' and the defendant said 'I don't care, I will kill you'. 'That comment from the defendant tells you, you may think, everything you need to know about his intention that morning.' Mr Monzo is alleged to have swung his sword at Mr Iwule's neck and torso, but he was able to roll away and escape over a fence. 'If he had not managed to escape, it seems inevitable that he too would have been killed,' said Mr Little. Mr Monzo is then said to have driven further down Laing Close before exiting the vehicle. At this time, the court heard that Daniel had left his home and was walking to school wearing sports clothes, his backpack, and headphones. Mr Little said: 'The defendant had obviously seen him and the defendant then moved quickly like a predator behind Daniel Anjorin. 'He lifted the sword above his head and then swung it downwards towards Daniel's head and neck area. 'Daniel instantly fell to the ground. The defendant then leant over him and used the sword again to injure Daniel.' He added: 'The force used was extreme. It involved a devastating and unsurvivable chopping injury to the left-hand side of Daniel's face and neck'. Mr Monzo is then said to have taken off Daniel's backpack, dragging the schoolboy's body along the road in the process. The court heard that emergency services had been called to the scene at this time. Mr Monzo is said to have then attacked Pc Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield, who pursued him down a series of alleyways behind residential properties while he was still armed. He is then alleged to have entered a nearby house where he attacked a couple in their bedroom. Mr Little said the couple's lives had been spared only because 'their four-year-old child woke up and started crying'. He said there were many police officers in the area at that time, and that Mr Monzo then became 'surrounded in a garage area nearby to the other attacks', where he attacked another police officer. Mr Monzo was finally disarmed and detained after he climbed onto the roof of the garage, he said. Asked about the attack in a police interview, Mr Monzo said his personality switched and that 'something happened, like a game happening', and it was like 'the movie Hunger Games'. Mr Little said: 'He said that one of his personalities is a professional assassin.' In court last month, Mr Monzo denied eight of the 10 charges against him but admitted two counts of having an offensive weapon – a katana sword and a tanto katana sword. He also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murders of Mr Iwule, Sindy Arias, Henry De Los Rios Polania and Pc Mechem-Whitfield as well as wounding Insp Moloy Campbell with intent. Mr Monzo denied aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article relating to a kitchen knife. The trial continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
