HOPE SWEET HOME
For cancer patients and their caregivers in need of a place to stay while in treatment, there is hope—Hope Lodges.
BY:ERIC FEIL
Getting the best cancer treatment often results in your incurring expenses for extended stays far from home, placing not just a financial burden upon patients and caregivers—forcing some to discontinue necessary treatments—but a heavy emotional one. There is, however, hope...Hope Lodge.
The American Cancer Society's 23 Hope Lodges across 17 states and Puerto Rico (with a total of 34 expected to be open within the next two years) offer free, temporary housing to anyone in active treatment, providing a home away from home near their chosen medical facility. Once referred by a doctor, a patient and caregiver can stay in a private suite (with bathroom) as long as treatment continues. "We have people for days, a few months, even a year," says Kristen Solt, vice president of the Hope Lodge Network. "There's no time limit."
All lodges have a mutual kitchen and a common area where guests can share meals—and support. "You know, in a kitchen people talk, share, cry," says Solt. "The shared experience is an important part of recovery."
In addition, each Hope Lodge has a comprehensive resource library with a computer and access to the ACS 24-hour, toll-free call center. Most also have a patio or garden where patients and families can go for quiet reflection.
Hope Lodges—which were founded in 1970 by Holocaust survivor Margot Freudenberg (see photo above), who will turn 100 this year—are not medical facilities. There are no nurses, and drugs are not dispensed. Transportation is provided to and from the hospital where treatment is being administered. Lodges also host numerous cancer initiatives and patient-support programs—many of which involve both the patient and caregiver. "We believe the caregiver plays an important role for the patient," says Solt. "When caregivers and patients are together at Hope Lodge, we've seen it create a unique bond. It's improved child-parent relationships, marriages-it's a wonderful thing."
"It was an inspiring time," reflects one patient who stayed at the Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber Hope Lodge in Cleveland. "I feel blessed to have been a part of it."
Accomodations and eligibilty requirements may vary by location. For more information or to find a Hope Lodge, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or CLICK HERE.