About Ribbon of Hope

Ribbon of Hope began in 1999 through the courage and vision of a cancer survivor who longed to serve others battling the same disease. Through the support of friends, family and a local congregation, Ribbon of Hope grew very quickly and the need to partner with others became evident.

Over time God has drawn others to the vision. In 2000, Ribbon of Hope became a not-for-profit organization and partnered with Elkhart General Healthcare System in an effort to offer additional support to their cancer patients. In 2005 the first governing Board of Directors was formed, and in 2006 EGHS offered Ribbon of Hope the opportunity to play a more active role with their patients and staff by moving their office to the new 4th floor Oncology wing.

What began as one person’s vision to provide emotional and spiritual support to cancer patients has grown to an organization that now serves patients, their family, and caregivers throughout Michiana.

Today a large number of committed individuals donate their time to provide spiritual and emotional support for our patients. A journey that began as a serious medical challenge for one has now successfully assisted more than 1600 patients fighting cancer.

Ribbon of Hope offers a variety of practical services to assist patients and family members. With the primary focus of caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient, Ribbon of Hope has a network of volunteers willing to involve themselves in the lives of our patients and families. The heart of our service is personal interaction.


Free Patient Services

The current list of services available free of charge to our patients includes:


Statement of Faith

  1. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17.
  2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14.
  3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His atoning death, and His bodily resurrection. John 1:1 & 2, Luke 1:31-35, Hebrews 7:26& 27, Matthew 28: 5: 6.
  4. We believe that it is through faith in Jesus Christ alone that man finds forgiveness for his sins and receives that gift of eternal life. John 3:16, John 3:36, Romans 3:23 & 24, Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:8 & 9.
  5. We believe salvation is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from human merit or by the works of the flesh, but they, which have believed, should be careful to maintain good works. Acts 16:31; Romans 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:8-10.
  6. We believe that the Holy Sprit leads man to repentance towards God and to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ unto a true decision of salvation and that He indwells us and seals us from the moment of our acceptance. John 7:38-39; John 14:16.
  7. We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment, and enables believers to live godly lives. John 14:26.
  8. We believe "God's ways are not our way's" (Isaiah 55:8). Therefore, we may not understand why we may suffer. However, we believe the Bible gives clear direction on how we are to react to suffering, regardless of whether we understand its purpose.
    • Be instructed by it; Hebrews 12:11-13.
    • Commit it to God, realizing that He is faithful to work out all things for our good and His glory; Romans 8:28, 1 Peter 4:19, James 1:2.

Who is Involved

Staff & Volunteers

Loretta Salchert, Executive Director
Gina Martin, Program Coordinator

Board of Directors

Gene Crusie, Chairman
Ed Arnold, Vice Chair
Gordon Anderson, Secretary
Dick Barfell
Dean Ferguson
Connie Fulmer
Tim Morningstar
Scott Overmyer
Dr. William Pletcher
Nancy Shaum
Trent Sheets
Virgil Weldy, Jr.
Ed Wright