FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation Celebrates Groundbreaking of First-of-its-Kind Cancer Respite Center in U.S.
“Pete’s Dream” at Woodloch Resort to transform cancer care
May 7, 2026
HAWLEY, PA – For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, Woodloch Resort, and regional community leaders today broke ground on the nation’s first-of-its-kind cancer respite center. Called “Pete’s Dream,” the new center will provide a signature, accessible destination for adult cancer patients and their families to cope with cancer together and find strength in community. Set on 32 acres adjacent to Woodloch Resort, Pete’s Dream is scheduled to open in 2027.
For more than 25 years, Pennsylvania-based For Pete’s Sake has provided restorative Respite Experiences to adult cancer patients, their caregivers, and their children. The nonprofit organization is the only patient respite support care entity in oncology with published outcome data measuring the improvement in a family’s ability to cope with cancer.
For Pete’s Sake’s current program capacity allows the organization to provide the healing power of respite to approximately 700 people each year. Now, the new Pete’s Dream will dramatically scale that impact, serving more than 4,400 patients and their loved ones annually in a dedicated and purposefully designed space.
“Before my husband Pete passed, we spoke about his vision of creating a special place where families dealing with cancer could step away from the stress of their diagnosis and heal together,” said Marci Schankweiler, founder and CEO of For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. “Breaking ground means making Pete’s Dream a reality. We’re deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro, Senators Baker and Brown, Representatives Fritz and Olsommer, Woodloch Resort, and the many loyal For Pete’s Sake donors who helped make this moment possible — too many to name, but never too many to thank. Collectively, we are changing cancer care.”
Designed using 20 years of qualitative and quantitative data from thousands of Respite Recipients and input from oncology professionals, every aspect of Pete’s Dream is intentionally built to address the emotional, financial, spiritual, psychosocial and physical challenges of cancer within a safe, serene environment. The 34,000-square-foot campus will include an art studio, STEAM activities, wellness space, music and library center, family game room, interfaithchapel, swimming pool, and a dining room serving 60,000 meals each year. The center will also include immersive outdoor experiences for adults and children alike.
For Pete’s Sake is executing a multi-year operating agreement with Woodloch. The nonprofit and for profit collaboration is innovative. Woodloch will manage hospitality operations for Pete’s Dream, including maintenance, housekeeping, landscaping, dining, safety, and transportation.
“Woodloch Resort was founded with one goal: bringing people together with those who matter most to them,” said Woodloch owner Bob Kiesendahl. “That’s something we share with For Pete’s Sake, and we’re proud to have welcomed hundreds of families here for respite. As a cancer survivor myself, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful community and family support can be. This groundbreaking is the result of years of partnership and a continued promise to serve even more families facing cancer.”
In 2024, For Pete’s Sake was awarded a $3.5 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, a state grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Over five years of construction and expanded operations, Pete’s Dream will generate $23 million in labor income and contribute $7 million in tax revenue. The total economic impact of the construction is estimated to be $41.8 million for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
