Today, my Columbus Foundation Fellowship with Hope Hollow comes to a close. But, in reality, my relationship with Hope Hollow is really just beginning. From the very first day of my fellowship, I knew that Hope Hollow was an unrepeatable organization that I will always stay connected to. 

Each and every day, Hope Hollow makes a lasting impact on cancer patients and their loved ones. Today, Kevin, Hope Hollow’s co-founder, told me about two referrals that he received that were difficult, due to the cancer patients’ medical status, and while the cancer journey for these patients and their loved ones is becoming increasingly difficult, Hope Hollow is making the practical aspects of life easier so that these individuals can be with their loved ones. 

While Hope Hollow may appear small, with two full-time unpaid workers, Jane and Kevin, and a handful of volunteers, the impact they are having on the cancer community is monumental. Thousands of individuals, coming to our community in Columbus, have a place to sleep, fuel to travel, and food to eat because of Hope Hollow and its donors. It is striking to say that I had no knowledge of Hope Hollow’s impact on my community until the Columbus Foundation Fellowship. 

Over the course of the summer, I have had the opportunity to speak with around 30 individuals who are connected to Hope Hollow in some capacity. While these conversations were primarily over the phone, I could tell by each individuals’ tone that they were excited and joyful when talking about Hope Hollow. It quickly became clear to me that Hope Hollow’s work is about so much more than the tangible services, rather it is truly about the relationships.

I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to be a tiny part of an organization that is a glimmer of hope in the midst of an extremely challenging journey.