Spirit of Hope Running Strong Supporting Marion Cancer Patients
The OhioHealth Marion General Hospital Foundation’s Spirit of Hope Fund, created to support local cancer patients with non-medical expenses, has raised over $563,000 since its inception in 2013.
The fund provides crucial financial assistance for patients’ needs ranging from medical expenses typically not covered by insurance such as co-pays, prescription costs, and medical equipment, to transportation and groceries. All too often, patients must choose between paying for their care or keeping the lights on at home or food on the table. This fund aims to ease that burden.
The Spirit of Hope Fund was established by the late John Butterworth, a former Marion County Sheriff, and his wife, Phyllis Butterworth, before he passed away from esophageal cancer. They recognized that while their insurance covered medical treatments, many fellow patients struggled with ancillary costs. This inspired them to create a resource dedicated to filling that gap, ensuring patients could focus on their health and recovery without added financial worry. To date, the fund has distributed more than $237,000 to patients in need.
"[John] was my biggest supporter, my best cheerleader," said Phyllis Butterworth. "We realized there were people in circumstances much more dire than ours. Cancer doesn't only consume you physically; it consumes you emotionally, spiritually, and financially. The fund was our way to make something more out of our experience."
Each year, hundreds are diagnosed with cancer at Marion General Hospital. For them, and for many who follow, the Spirit of Hope fund serves as a lifeline. Tyrone Kaiser, a patient at the OhioHealth Marion Cancer Center, knows this firsthand.
“It helps a lot when you don't have to worry about that,” he said softly with emotion catching in his voice. “I can't put into words how that made me feel.”
Kaiser also expressed his gratitude for OhioHealth’s Marion Cancer Center.
“For this to be in Marion, and not in a major city, this is a major advancement for us here,” he said.
The Spirit of Hope fund is sustained through community generosity. This includes fundraising events from various community organizations. Every October, the TWIG III gift shop at Marion General Hospital donates a portion of their sales to the Spirit of Hope fund.
“It never, ever, ever occurred to me how generous people would be, and that people just want to help. They never know who they help. They never meet who they help, and they don't care,” Phyllis Butterworth explained. “We know cancer is crippling in many ways, and it's just not what it does to your body. Does something to your heart too. I'm very proud of the fact that two old hippies started a fund, and it's thriving, and we're helping people in unique ways that nobody else does.”
To learn more or to make a contribution please visit: Make a Gift | OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
