Conference SAAC Visits Hope Lodge

Last weekend prior to the fall SLIAC meeting for SAAC, student-athletes from around the conference came together to tour Hope Lodge, a facility run by the American Cancer Society, and visit with the patients and their families. Over 20 student-athletes, coaches, staff members, and conference personal joined in the day; serving lunch to the clients of Hope Lodge and their families. Following lunch, SAAC members spent the afternoon getting to know the clients and their families and playing board games and puzzles. Members also put together a Thankful Tree, writing down what they are thankful for as a reminder and placing it on the tree. 

There are more than 30 Hope Lodges throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Hope Lodge provides a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can retreat to private rooms or connect with others. Every Hope Lodge also offers a variety of resources and information about cancer and how best to fight the disease. 

As part of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council members look to enhance the image of student-athletes both on campus and in the community through engaging in campus and community service projects and to serve as positive role models for their peers and younger athletes. The committee also serves as a voice for issues that involve rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes.