HCA Healthcare Hope Fund provides record $10.6M in assistance to help colleagues in 2020

When it comes to helping our colleagues, 2020 has been a truly historic year. A record $10.6 million in assistance has been provided to help struggling members of our HCA Healthcare family — more than any year in HCA Healthcare Hope Fund history. The HCA Healthcare Hope Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity, was stablished in 2005 so that colleagues could provide financial support to fellow HCA Healthcare colleagues impacted by natural disaster, illness, injury, domestic violence, the death of a loved one or any of a number of unavoidable hardships.

This year, more than 4,900 Hope Fund grant recipients’ lives were forever changed thanks to our caring colleagues. The story below highlights hope and generosity amid a year filled with some of the most difficult circumstances.

Sandra Williams is a social worker in Houston who has been with HCA Healthcare since 2015. Each day, she ensures patients are discharged to a safe environment and have necessary resources. Over the years, she has provided care and support to countless people in her community. Last summer, she found herself in need of care and support when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I began my first round of chemotherapy immediately,” Sandra said. Months later, she needed surgery and was away from work for three months. Her treatment continued with a second round of chemotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation. As she kept up her fight against this terrible disease, the cost of her treatments kept adding up.

“I originally heard about the Hope Fund on my hire date. I was told the program helped employees who are facing financial hardship. What led me to apply is I was in need of financial assistance due to my diagnosis,” Sandra said. “The moment I learned I was approved, I was excited, relieved, and felt blessed to have received this assistance.”

Sandra said the assistance she received was a game-changer. “The Hope Fund allowed me to focus on my journey of healing, and not worry about mounting bills. It eased my anxiety and worry. I truly appreciate the program. It made a difference in my life and made the cancer journey much easier to cope with.” After finishing radiation a few months ago, Sandra is happy to report she is now a breast cancer survivor.

On behalf of all of our colleagues helped this year, we are so grateful to everyone who gives to provide help and hope to our own HCA Healthcare family.

If you or a colleague you know is experiencing a financial hardship and needs help, visit the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund’s website to learn more and apply for aid.