For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation

Yesterday, we celebrated a dream coming true. We broke ground on our new respite center, Pete's Dream, and marked the beginning of a new chapter for this organization and the families we serve. The nation's first-of-its-kind respite center dedicated exclusively for families facing cancer is now under construction on 32 acres adjacent to @woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania. Designed using two decades of outcome data and input from oncology professionals, every space on this campus is built to help families find time and space to step away from their diagnosis and heal together. When it opens in 2027, thousands of patients and their loved ones will have a dedicated place for respite—at no cost to their families. Alongside the groundbreaking, For Pete's Sake also introduced a refreshed brand identity built around a belief this organization has held since 1999: cancer respite is cancer care. The new brand reflects the full scope of where this mission is headed and the community that has carried it here. Check it out on our website at: FPSrespite.org Thank you to Governor Shapiro, Senator Baker, Senator Brown, Representatives Fritz and Olsommer, Bob Kiesendahl and the entire Woodloch team, and every donor, volunteer, and supporter who has shown up for this mission. We could not be here without you, and we’re so excited about where we’re headed! For more information about Pete’s Dream, visit: PetesDream.org.

25 years ago, I sat planning my late husband’s funeral and contemplated his dying wish– to start an organization that would dispel the isolation of a cancer diagnosis and bring the gift of respite to patients, caregivers and their families. For 25 years, every one of you- family, friends, colleagues, patients, caregivers, oncology professionals, volunteers, and FPS donors- have embraced his vision- and as we approach Thanksgiving, my gratitude overflows for this support. Today, the final chapter of his wish is being written and culminates with some BIG news: FPS, in partnership with @woodloch , is creating the nation's first Cancer Respite Center for families facing cancer. (You read it right, the FIRST for families of all cancer types). This Center, the very heart of Pete's dream before his passing at age 30, will serve over 4,000 individuals annually and is expected to open in late 2026. A generous $3.5 million RACP grant from @joshshapiropa has propelled us forward in a significant way, and I am deeply grateful to @senatorlisabaker for carrying the needs of every FPS Family in her advocacy of this endeavor. So many others, from both public and private sectors, have rallied behind respite and its therapeutic benefits. This RACP grant brings us one step closer to making his dream a reality, and I look forward to creating a place where every family who needs respite can find peace, connection, and hope. We’re still seeking support to make this project a reality. Stay tuned in the New Year for more updates and be part of making history! Of course, feel free to reach out to me with specific questions at 215.416.7489 or [email protected]. Let’s show love is greater than cancer. View the press release here: https://bit.ly/3ZsyWgP Gratefully, Marci Schankweiler CEO & Founder

Only 4 more weeks until FPS returns to Citizens Bank Park for our FPS Community Tailgate and Phillies Game! Join us on Monday, June 15, we're heading to the ballpark for an unforgettable night as the @phillies take on the Miami Marlins! Tickets are selling fast, so get yours today using link in bio. ⚾️

One week ago, we shared Pete's Dream with the world. Thank you to all of the kind and generous people who helped us make this dream a reality!

Did you see us on @nbcphiladelphia ? We are still on cloud nine from the groundbreaking of Pete's Dream! Learn more at .

At FPS, nurses are a driving force of our mission. Whether they serve as nominators, volunteer facilitators, or as program coordinators, their tireless commitment to patient care makes a meaningful impact on the families we serve. This #NationalNursesWeek, we celebrated the dedication, expertise, and compassion of all nurses who support patients throughout their cancer journey. At FPS, we are unique in our commitment to the entire family unit, and we are deeply grateful for the nurses who help make that possible every day. Thank you for supporting our FPS families!

Thank you to our longtime partner @glanzmannsubaru for their generous donation of over $45,000 raised through the Subaru Share the Love campaign! Over the last 13+ years, Glanzmann Subaru has raised more than $700,000 for our mission through the @subaru_usa Share the Love Campaign to help fund hundreds of Respite Experiences for families facing cancer! We're extremely grateful for your support. Thank you for everything you do to help FPS families!

A few weeks ago, Jeana gathered travelers on our April respite for a toast. Raising her glass, she thanked her mother and caregiver, Judy, for joining her for the week and for her endless love and support during her battle with breast cancer. Mothers like Judy are a beautiful reminder of the strength, compassion, and comfort a mother’s love can bring, especially during life’s most difficult moments.🤍 This #MothersDay, we raise a glass to all of the women, caregivers, and mother figures in our FPS community as we wish them an abundance of peace, love, and happiness today and everyday!

Over 200 people were in attendance yesterday for the ground breaking of For Pete’s Sake’s and Woodloch’s first of its kind cancer respite center! Together, they will welcome countless families fighting cancer and help them get back to what really matters! Thank you so much to everyone for their support! This would not be possible without our amazing community and Woodloch family! ❤️ #cancerawareness #respite #poconos #woodloch

At For Pete’s Sake, our dream is to support families facing cancer with life-changing Respite Experiences. While our look might be changing, our purpose stays the same. 🩵 And this is just the beginning...

Last week, over 130 volunteers joined us at Citizens Bank Park to help make the 15th Annual For Pete’s Sake Walk! a huge success. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care you brought to the day. From preparing the stadium to welcoming and supporting our walkers, your efforts help bring our mission to life and ensure that no family facing cancer walks alone. 💚💙 As a thank you and to celebrate the impact of all our volunteers throughout the year, we are excited to invite you to our Volunteer Appreciation and Annual Meeting on June 22 at @normandyfarmhotel . We hope you will join us as we recognize and celebrate the many ways you support our mission. RSVP today using the link in bio.

Missing the Walk already? Come celebrate with us again as we cheer on our top individual Walk fundraiser, John Dever, as he throws out the first pitch on June 15 at our FPS Community Tailgate and Phillies Game! Get your tickets today using the link in our bio.