This home away from home will provide free, non-medical lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers and convenient access to The University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City VA Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

A $500,000 gift from Mid-American Energy helped the campaign achieve both the $2 million Gerdin Challenge, along with the $6 million fundraising level needed to break ground. Russell Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Express, Inc. in Coralville, and a cancer survivor, donated $2 million for the facility to match $2 million additional dollars raised.

"MidAmerican is pleased to have the opportunity to help with providing resources for Hope Lodge," said Todd Raba, president of MidAmerican Energy. "Many of the patients and their families statewide who will be served by Hope Lodge during their time of need live in communities served by MidAmerican Energy. We hope that none of our customers or employees ever need to use this type of facility, but if they do, Hope Lodge will provide a safe and caring environment."

This $8 million capital campaign overall consists of two parts:

• $4 million for the construction of the building
• $4 million endowment to cover the operational costs of the Hope Lodge

The facility will be owned and operated by the American Cancer Society, and should open in September 2008.

For more information about the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge campaign in Iowa, please call Marcia Holley at 888-266-2071 ext. 7104. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information:

American Cancer Society

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

VA Medical Center

Mercy Hospital

Mid-American Energy

Heartland Express, Inc.