In June 1999, Frank Murray, a Charlotte real estate agent, was diagnosed with cancer. Unable to sleep one night after surgery, Frank believed that God sent him a clear vision to create a Christian cancer ministry to reach out to those suffering from cancer. Even as he continued his battle with intensive radiation, constant pain, and major disruption of his life, he met with cancer patients; he listened to their stories, their fears, and their admissions of loneliness.
Together with his wife, Sarah, Frank began planning a “cancer ministry” that would reach out to Charlotte area cancer patients and their families - offering compassion, encouragement, and hope. Frank shared his vision with his pastor, Dr Glenn Wagner. Dr. Wagner contacted Marshall and Ruth Howell, who were in the early phases of forming the cancer support group at Calvary Church. This group believed they were hearing a call from the Lord despite the fact that Ruth was dealing with her own cancer.
On February 25, 2000, after a valiant fight with cancer, Frank Murray went to be with the Lord.
In September 2000, Sarah Murray, the Wagners and the Howells met for a planning meeting. They asked Sarah Eremic, who had lost her husband to brain cancer in 1994, to join them. At this meeting, the ministry was officially “launched”. Ruth Howell became Executive Director and immediately started uniting interested people to form a Board of Directors, which met for the first time in October 2000.
Sarah Eremic assumed the role of Director of Ministry in early July 2001. That same month, Ruth Howell lost her courageous 3 ½ year battle with cancer.
During the years that followed, Hope Cancer Ministries (HCM) continued to embrace the guidelines originally developed by Frank and Sarah Murray. Under Sarah Eremic’s leadership, HCM’s reputation for offering care and compassion continued to grow. As the oncology and medical community witnessed the love and care given to cancer patients and their families by HCM’s volunteers, they became confident in the ministry and referred their patients. To meet this need training workshops to train volunteers, to work in one-on-one relationships to serve the increasing number of clients, were initiated.
Annual events such as Kate’s Race for Hope (in memory of Kate Schultz Colon, one of HCM's early patients), the Annual Benefit Dinner, Lights of Hope and participation in CMC's and Buddy Kemp survivor’s day were launched.
In January, 2007, Sarah Eremic announced her retirement. The Board entrusted Bob Little, long term Board member, as Interim Director to guide the ministry through its period of transition and oversee the addition of new staff to continue the ministry without interruption. Additionally, a prayer board, to pray specifically for board members and the ministry staff, was formed. As a result of prayers, the Board’s leadership, and Bob’s guidance, a talented and dedicated staff and team of volunteers was secured. In July 2007, Cheryl Hardman, Client/Community Coordinator, and Marie West, Volunteer Coordinator, joined the Hope Cancer Ministries Team. The Board appointed Bob as permanent Director in November, 2007. A full Time office assistant, Emily Walters, was hired in January 2008 to off load the increasing demands of a rapidly growing ministry.
The challenge of 2008 will be to manage the growing demands of HCM services in a manner that will enhance and expand our reputation as a ministry that loves and cares for cancer patients and their families.
