In 1996, Ruth Ann Wilkinson was diagnosed with colon cancer and tragically lost her battle at just 40 years old. During the final chapter of her life, Ruth Ann envisioned a place of refuge and healing for cancer patients, a sanctuary where they and their loved ones could find comfort and strength during treatment. This dream became the foundation for Hope House.
Inspired by her vision, Mary Collier, Fred Newman, and a group of dedicated individuals in Midland joined forces in 2004 to establish an advisory board and officially begin the journey. By 2005, Gifts of Hope was born, guided by a deep commitment to provide meaningful support to those facing the challenges of cancer.
Since our founding, we have passionately worked to uplift the minds, bodies, and spirits of cancer patients and their families, ensuring they never face their journey alone.
Since 2008, the Hope House has provided over 10,000 room nights to cancer patients at no cost and served over 4,000 patients in the Permian Basin.
Gifts of Hope not only provides free lodging at the Hope House but also assists cancer patients with lodging, medical & dental bills, transportation, and other necessary support during cancer treatment.
Our mission is to inspire hope and healing for the heart, soul, mind, and body of cancer patients and their caregivers. We are dedicated to walking alongside those affected by cancer, offering compassionate support that nurtures emotional well-being, strengthens the spirit, and promotes physical and mental resilience. Through meaningful connections, educational resources, and holistic care, we strive to create a community where no one feels alone on their journey. Whether it’s a listening ear, a supportive group, or a moment of peace in a challenging time, we’re here to uplift, empower, and bring hope to every life we touch.
Our purpose is to ease the burden of cancer while shining a light of hope for those affected by it. We are here to support patients and their loved ones through every step of their journey, offering comfort, resources, and a caring community to lean on. Through emotional support, practical assistance, and uplifting programs, we aim to lighten the load that cancer can bring—reminding everyone that they are not alone. At the heart of all we do is a simple yet powerful belief: where there is hope, there is strength.
At Gifts of Hope, our mission is powered by a passionate group of individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones. From our volunteer Board of Directors to our committed staff, each person plays a vital role in advancing our purpose with heart, vision, and leadership.
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Gifts of Hope is proudly governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment ensure that we stay true to our mission while growing our impact within the community.
Behind the scenes, our staff works tirelessly to turn our mission into action. Their compassion, creativity, and commitment help us deliver meaningful programs and support to those who need it most.
Stonnie Pollock – President
Anthony Gilliland – Vice President
Alyssa Rogers – Secretary
James Bissett – Treasurer
JD Benton – Board Member
Taylor Billingsley – Board Member
Dylan Carpenter – Board Member
Lyn Ford – Board Member
JD Granado – Board Member
Sandra Saenz – Board Member
Haley Swack – Board Member
Clinton Dickson – Executive Director
Christie Gesell – Associate Director
Sadie Parker – Program Coordinator
Together, our team is united by one common goal:
to provide hope, healing, and support to those navigating the cancer journey
Each of our programs are designed with care, ensuring that our Hope Circle members have access to the support, resources, and encouragement they need, all year round. Whether you’re seeking connection, inspiration, or simply a place to feel understood, we invite you to join us in any of our uplifting experiences.
We’re proud to have an incredible team of volunteers known as the Hope House Honeybees! This vibrant, diverse group of individuals comes together with one shared purpose, to help us advance our mission of supporting those affected by cancer. Their dedication, kindness, and eagerness to make a difference have been an absolute blessing to our community.
If you’d like to learn more about the Honeybees and how you can get involved, we’d love to connect! Feel free to call, email, or stop by their “Honeybee Hive” at the Hope House, we’d be delighted to chat with you.
We’re thrilled to share that our nonprofit has been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid! This special recognition highlights our commitment to openness and accountability, showcasing that we’ve shared our most up-to-date financial information for the recent fiscal year. Earning this seal reflects our dedication to building trust with our community, donors, and partners. We believe transparency is key to making a meaningful impact, and we’re proud to demonstrate how your support helps us advance our mission every day. Thank you for being part of our journey, together, we’re making a difference!