Local Hope Foundation A Community Lifeline for Women Fighting Illness

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North Canton, Ohio – As a single mother undergoing aggressive cancer treatment, _Marilyn S._ faced an impossible choice: pay for life-saving therapy or keep up with rent and utilities. While insurance helped cover her chemotherapy, it did nothing for the stack of everyday bills piling up on her kitchen counter. It’s a nightmare scenario far too many women in treatment know well – and one that **Jackie Davison** is determined to change. Davison, herself a survivor of a life-threatening health crisis, channeled her personal ordeal into founding **Local Hope: The Jackie Davison Foundation**, a volunteer-driven nonprofit on a mission to ensure no woman battling a serious illness has to also battle financial ruin at home.

A Mission Born in Crisis

Jackie Davison understands the stakes of serious illness on a profoundly personal level. Years ago, when she found herself in a health crisis, friends and neighbors rallied to her side. They organized meals, provided childcare, and even held a small community fundraiser to help with her mounting bills. “That support was my lifeline during the darkest time,” Davison recalls. She emerged from her ordeal not only grateful, but galvanized. She felt _called_ to pay forward the generosity she received so that other women wouldn’t have to suffer alone. This compassionate impulse planted the seeds for what would become the Local Hope Foundation.

The idea gained momentum when Davison and a close friend, **Kim Hardgrove**, organized a charity golf outing in the late 1990s. On a crisp fall day in 1997, they gathered a group of friends at Edgewater Golf Course in nearby Minerva, Ohio, to play for a cause – raising money in honor of a friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer. They had modest expectations; by the end of that first outing, they’d raised just **$435**, which they donated to a national breast cancer research organization in their friend’s name. It was a humble sum, but the experience was powerful. “We saw what a small community event could do,” Davison says. _Nearly 30 years later_, that spur-of-the-moment golf fundraiser has blossomed into a formally established nonprofit foundation dedicated to direct local support.

From Grassroots Fundraiser to Nonprofit Foundation

For over a decade after that first outing, Davison and her volunteers continued organizing grassroots events to help women facing serious illnesses. What began as an informal yearly golf game grew each year in scope – more players, bigger raffle baskets, greater proceeds – and an expanding vision. By **2011, Local Hope was officially born** as a foundation with a distinct mission: rather than funding general research, it would support _individual_ women in the community who are fighting for their lives and struggling to make ends meet at home. Davison and her team secured nonprofit status (the organization achieved federal 501(c)(3) designation in 2024), cementing the transition from ad-hoc fundraiser to established charitable foundation. Through it all, the spirit remained the same: neighbors coming together to lift up one of their own in a time of need.

Today, **Local Hope (Jackie Davison Foundation)** focuses on providing what Davison calls “practical, real-world relief” for women with life-threatening medical challenges. In plain terms, that means _money to cover everyday living expenses_ – the bills that don’t stop when cancer or another grave illness strikes. “Our goal is to let these women focus on getting well, not worrying if the lights will be shut off,” Davison says. The foundation assists women across Stark County and neighboring areas who are in active treatment for illnesses like cancer, by helping pay for essentials such as **rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, childcare costs, and transportation** to medical appointments. In short, if a woman’s illness has put her day-to-day financial security at risk, Local Hope steps in to bridge the gap.

Local Hope’s impact is already evident in the community. Dozens of women – single mothers, grandmothers, young professionals – have received grants that kept their families afloat during the scariest time of their lives. One breast cancer survivor was able to cover her rent for several months when she could not work. Another recipient, a mother undergoing organ transplant treatments, had her utility bills and childcare costs paid so she could recover without fear of losing her home or job. Each story underscores the foundation’s driving philosophy: _no one should have to choose between fighting for their life and keeping a roof overhead_. It’s a mission born from Davison’s personal experience and sustained by the community that rallied around her.

Easing the Everyday Burdens of Illness

**Cancer patients are nearly five times more likely to face bankruptcy, and often see major declines in their credit scores, due to the financial burdens of illness.** This stark reality, sometimes called “financial toxicity,” reflects the hidden collateral damage of surviving a life-threatening disease. While insurance might cover portions of chemotherapy or surgery, patients often lose income and face _mountains_ of out-of-pocket costs – not only medical copays and prescriptions, but basics like housing, food, and childcare. According to the National Cancer Institute, many cancer survivors report significant financial strain; some **spend more than 20% of their annual income on medical care**, and families frequently struggle to pay for **housing, groceries, and utility bills** because of the cost of cancer. The impact can be devastating: reduced savings, ruined credit, even **bankruptcy** – in fact, medical debt is the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in America.

For women already fighting to stay alive, these everyday financial pressures can directly affect health outcomes. Studies show that **61% of U.S. cancer patients and survivors have difficulty affording care**, and over 80% report making financial sacrifices – from draining savings accounts to racking up credit card debt – just to pay medical bills. Alarmingly, many patients admit to delaying or skipping treatments due to cost. “It is unacceptable that some patients have to choose between cancer treatment and paying rent or incurring huge amounts of debt,” says **Lisa Lacasse**, president of the American Cancer Society’s advocacy network. Yet for low- and middle-income women, that is exactly the reality: nearly **half of cancer patients end up in debt** from their care, and almost half of those in debt **delay or forgo treatment** for serious conditions because of the financial strain. This financial distress isn’t just an economic issue – it’s a _life-and-death_ health issue. Research has found that the stress of severe financial hardship can **increase the risk of mortality by more than 70%** in cancer patients.

These sobering statistics are the reason Local Hope’s work matters so profoundly. The foundation specifically targets the “everyday” expenses that often overwhelm women in treatment. “When you’re sick, the last thing you should worry about is keeping the heat on or putting food on the table,” Davison says. By covering a few months’ rent for a patient, or paying her electric, water, and gas bills during chemo, Local Hope provides a crucial safety net. This practical aid eases the crushing stress that can compromise a patient’s recovery. Doctors often emphasize to patients the importance of rest, nutrition, and low stress during treatment; Local Hope enables that advice to become reality by removing some of the biggest stressors – the unpaid bills – from a patient’s plate. In doing so, the foundation is not only preventing evictions and hunger in the short term; it is very likely improving the long-term health prospects of the women it serves. “Taking away that financial burden is part of caring for the whole patient,” notes one local oncology social worker. “It can literally impact whether someone gets through treatment successfully.”

Rallying a Community: Fundraisers Fueling Hope

From the beginning, Local Hope has been fueled by grassroots fundraising and the collective generosity of the community. Every spring, the foundation hosts a major benefit – often a **springtime gala or a “reverse raffle” event – that brings together donors and supporters for an evening of hope.** (In a reverse raffle, attendees purchase tickets for a chance at a grand prize, but unlike a normal raffle, the _last_ ticket drawn wins – creating suspense and celebration as names are eliminated.) This past May, that spring fundraiser took on a special twist: **Dr. Chad Vogelgesang**, a local chiropractic physician, partnered with Davison to co-host a virtual raffle event to support Local Hope. Vogelgesang, who runs **Vogelgesang Family Chiropractic** in nearby Massillon, had gotten to know Davison through mutual patients and community circles. He was moved by the foundation’s mission – some of his own patients are cancer survivors struggling with post-treatment bills – and wanted to help. So his clinic’s team volunteered to help sell raffle tickets and even offered wellness service packages as prizes, with all proceeds going directly to Local Hope’s fund. “We see firsthand in our practice how health issues create ripple effects in people’s lives,” Dr. Vogelgesang says. _“Partnering with Local Hope was a natural way for us to give back – to extend healing beyond our clinic walls.”_ The spring reverse raffle was a rousing success, raising thousands of dollars and broadening the foundation’s network of supporters.

The cornerstone of Local Hope’s fundraising remains its **annual golf outing**, a tradition that harks back to that very first 1997 game. Every year, dozens of golfers – from seasoned club members to weekend hackers – gather for a day on the greens with a higher purpose. They play not just for bragging rights, but to fund relief for neighbors in medical crisis. Over the years, the event has grown from a small friends-and-family affair into a full tournament complete with corporate hole sponsors, donated prizes, and a celebratory dinner. Yet it retains a homespun charm; many participants have been coming since the early days, and new families join after hearing how the foundation helped someone they know. The golf outing typically provides a substantial portion of the foundation’s annual budget, and each year’s proceeds are immediately put to use paying local women’s bills. “It’s amazing to think it started with just a few of us and a couple of golf carts,” Davison smiles, recalling that first $435 check. “Now it funds an entire program of hope.”

Crucially, **Local Hope is not alone** in its efforts – it has become a focal point for community philanthropy in the region. Other local businesses and organizations have stepped up alongside Vogelgesang Family Chiropractic to bolster the cause. Churches have held charity drives, high school clubs have organized car washes, and small companies have named Local Hope as the beneficiary of their office fundraisers. Even newcomers to the area have taken notice: when retail chain **Meijer opened a new superstore in North Canton in 2024, the store director chose Local Hope as one of the local charities to receive a community grant**, presenting Davison with a $15,000 check to support women in Stark County battling cancer. That kind of high-profile donation was a “game-changer,” Davison says, allowing the foundation to reach more women than ever before. But whether a contribution is $15 or $15,000, the effect is tangible and immediate. Davison often shares updates on the foundation’s Facebook page showing exactly how funds are used – for example, a $500 donation might translate to a month’s rent for a mother in treatment, or cover gas cards for dozens of patients to travel to chemotherapy. Donors and volunteers alike can see the direct line from their actions to a neighbor’s relief, which inspires even greater involvement. In a virtuous cycle, success breeds more success: each fundraiser and community partnership not only raises money, but also raises _awareness_, ensuring that more women in need hear about Local Hope’s services and more supporters learn how to lend a hand.

All-Volunteer, All Heart: Where Every Dollar Counts

One of the most remarkable aspects of Local Hope is that it runs entirely on volunteer power. **The organization has no paid staff – not even Davison draws a salary.** “We’re 100% volunteer-driven,” she emphasizes proudly. That means every dollar raised goes straight toward helping local women, aside from minimal administrative costs like postage stamps or printing. In an era when some large charities see significant portions of donations eaten up by overhead, Local Hope’s lean operation stands out. The foundation’s board is composed of community members – survivors, friends, professionals – who devote their time after work and on weekends to reviewing applications, organizing events, and disbursing aid. Local businesses donate office space and supplies. Even the accounting and legal help to set up the nonprofit status were provided pro bono by supporters who believed in the cause. This all-hands, all-heart approach not only maximizes financial impact, but also deepens the community’s engagement. The volunteers often form personal connections with the women they help – dropping off a check along with a home-cooked meal or a card signed by neighbors. “It’s humanity at its best,” says Hardgrove, who has been by Davison’s side since the beginning. “None of us gets paid, but we’re _rich_ in the reward of seeing lives changed up close.”

Running a completely volunteer nonprofit isn’t without challenges. The demand for assistance is great and growing – and coordinating fundraisers or vetting recipients with a team of part-time volunteers can sometimes stretch capacity. Davison admits there are more women eligible for help than the foundation can currently fund. “Saying ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ is the hardest part,” she says quietly. That’s one reason she and her team are always looking to expand their network of donors and helpers. But rather than viewing larger charities as competition, Davison sees them as collaborators. Local Hope frequently works in tandem with hospital social workers and national organizations like the American Cancer Society, which might provide lodging or gas cards while Local Hope covers a patient’s utility bills, for example. “Together, we piece together a support system,” Davison explains. It’s a patchwork approach born of necessity – and it exemplifies how **small grassroots organizations can fill critical gaps** that bigger institutions might overlook.

Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Care and Daily Life

Local Hope’s rise comes at a time when small, community-based nonprofits are playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare landscape. Advances in medicine mean more women are surviving cancer and other acute illnesses than ever before – but survival often comes at a steep financial cost. In theory, the healthcare system treats the disease; in practice, there is often no system to treat the _economic aftermath_ of disease. That’s where organizations like Local Hope step in. They act as a bridge between the **clinical care** patients receive at hospitals and the **practical support** they need to endure treatment and recovery at home. “We deal with the human side, the day-to-day side, of getting through illness,” Davison says. This model of wraparound support – addressing social and financial needs alongside medical ones – is increasingly seen as vital for improving health outcomes, especially for those of modest means. Healthcare researchers even have a term for it: _“social determinants of health,”_ meaning factors like housing stability, nutrition, income, and stress level that profoundly influence a patient’s well-being. By alleviating financial toxicity and providing stability in those areas, community nonprofits can literally help people heal.

Nationwide, the importance of grassroots efforts is underscored by the rise of medical crowdfunding. In the absence of comprehensive support, many patients turn to the internet for help – a recent analysis found that **more than one-third of all campaigns on GoFundMe are for medical expenses**, reflecting just how common it is for Americans to seek community aid when faced with serious illness. But crowdfunding is often a hit-or-miss safety net, and that’s why having organized local charities is so critical. Unlike a one-time online fundraiser, organizations like Local Hope provide a _structured, ongoing resource_ for those in need, guided by fairness (they have an application and vetting process to assist the most vulnerable cases) and by local knowledge (they know the community and often personally know the individuals they’re helping). Moreover, as a registered nonprofit, Local Hope can aggregate donations big and small, apply for grants, and build partnerships that individual families in crisis might not be able to on their own.

This trend of small nonprofits addressing healthcare-related hardships has been accelerating. In fact, the nonprofit sector’s fastest growth in recent years has been in the human services arena – community groups focused on needs like housing, food, and direct aid have multiplied to respond to gaps in the social safety net. **Local Hope is a prime example of this grassroots momentum**. What started as a few friends trying to help one woman has evolved into a formal organization poised to help hundreds. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed: local health providers now refer patients to Local Hope for assistance, and other communities are looking to Davison’s model as one worth replicating. “It’s inspiring to see what they’ve done in Stark County,” says a director of a neighboring county’s health foundation. “It shows the power of a small group of people to make a very big difference.”

Spreading Hope, One Woman at a Time

On a recent afternoon, Jackie Davison sat at her kitchen table stuffing envelopes – inside were notes of encouragement and modest checks destined for women currently undergoing cancer treatment. Each envelope represented a life being tangibly eased: a mother who could pay her mortgage this month, a grandmother who wouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and paying for gas to get to the hospital, a young woman who could afford childcare while she’s in surgery. These are the quiet, transformative victories Local Hope achieves every week. “It might not seem like much to some, but for these women, it’s everything,” Davison says. The foundation’s very name – _Local Hope_ – reflects its ethos: delivering hope at the local, person-to-person level.

Even as it grows, the Jackie Davison Foundation remains deeply rooted in that personal touch. The organization is in the process of developing a full-service website to extend its digital reach, but much of its connection to the community still happens the old-fashioned way: through word of mouth and social media. **A Facebook page** serves as the main hub for updates, success stories, and announcements about upcoming events. (It’s also where Davison often publicly thanks sponsors and volunteers, and occasionally posts urgent appeals when a particular need arises.) Those seeking assistance or looking to volunteer can send a message via Facebook or simply pick up the phone – chances are, Davison herself will answer. In today’s high-tech world, Local Hope’s approach might seem refreshingly low-tech, but it works. “We never want to lose that personal touch,” Davison explains. “When a woman reaches out to us for help, she’s not just filling out a form to some organization. She’s talking to someone who truly cares, someone who’s likely been in her shoes.”

As the late afternoon sun filters through Davison’s window, she seals the last envelope and heads out to the mailbox. In each envelope lies not just a check, but a message: _You are not alone. Your community cares._ It’s a message Jackie Davison heard loud and clear during her own time of need, and one she has dedicated her second chance at life to echoing for others. In a world where a devastating diagnosis can upend everything for a family, **Local Hope shines as a beacon of compassion and solidarity**. Its work is a reminder that sometimes the simplest acts – paying a bill, organizing a fundraiser, lending a hand – can light up someone’s darkest hour. And for women fighting for their lives, that light of hope can make all the difference.

**Sources:**

- National Cancer Institute – _Financial Toxicity and Cancer Treatment_ (Patient PDQ)

- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network – **Survey: Majority of Cancer Patients Struggle to Afford Care**

- Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – _Reducing the Financial Toxicity of Cancer_

- Cancer Care Services – _The Cost of Cancer / Financial Toxicity_

- Store Brands Magazine – _Meijer Opens Two Ohio Superstores_ (Local Hope community grant)

- Meijer Community News – _North Canton Store Donates to Local Hope_ (Foundation origin story)

- Triage Cancer (via PMC study) – _Medical Crowdfunding and Health Care Access_