After founders’ retirement, Gems of Hope will keep working for cancer support

A sincere thank you to Cedar Rapids for making Gems of Hope a viable means of support for cancer patients for over 18 years. Gems of Hope would not have been possible without your individual support, as well as medical entities and business partnerships, all of which we are sincerely grateful.

We, as co-founders along with the late Sheila Harman, had a vision to support cancer patients receiving treatment, as well as reaching out to their families. The estimated number of cancer patients and their families who have been impacted by our gifts of hope, kid’s programs, books and scholarships is truly immeasurable.

We are thrilled to announce that although the Gems of Hope physical office is closed and the co-founders have retired, Gems of Hope will continue on with the Helen G Nassif Community Cancer Center facilitating the existing programming like our popular community workshops and daffodil sales.

Please note that the annual Gems of Hope Scholarships for graduating seniors affected by cancer will continue to be awarded through the Gems of Hope Cancer Scholarship Endowment Fund established at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

We are thrilled that Gems of Hope will thrive in our community and we ask that you continue to support the important mission of bringing hope to cancer patients and their families through HGNCCC.

It has been a remarkable 18-plus years and we thank you all so very much!

Beth Hammell and Cindy Sale, Gems of Hope Co-founders

Cedar Rapids