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American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Worcester

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Worcester
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7 Oak Street
Worcester, MA 01609
508-792-2985

About Our Facility

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Hope Lodge Worcester, nestled on Oak Street near downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, is a patient service program of the American Cancer Society, offering free lodging and support for cancer patients traveling to Massachusetts for ongoing treatment.

Since opening its doors in 1985, the Lodge has provided help and caring by offering free, temporary lodging to thousands of cancer patients and caregivers from around the nation and around the world.

Hope Lodge Worcester offers:

  • Nine guest rooms, several with a private bath
  • A large family room with a queen bed and two twin-size beds - ideal for families
  • Gourmet kitchen with dual oven ranges and many amenities for guests to share
  • A living room with piano; a game room; and a television room
  • Computer work stations and a library
  • Private sitting areas and a courtyard garden
  • Washers, dryers, and an ironing station
  • Transportation to and from treatment centers in Boston and Worcester
  • Cancer support programs and services
  • Proximity to downtown Worcester, which offers excellent theater, concerts, many sporting events, and a world-class art museum

While the facility offers many of the comforts of home, the true magic of the Hope Lodge is the built-in support system and friendships that are formed. Other guests, facing similar circumstances, rally around each other, offering strength and comraderie. The volunteers and staff, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves, strive to create an environment in which guests can relax and concentrate on getting well.

SAVE THE DATE - 2012 EVENTS
There are a variety of exciting events taking place in the Worcester community over the next several months to support the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer. Invite your family and friends to join us!

•    Friday & Saturday, June 15-16: Relay For Life of Worcester, College of the Holy Cross, Freshman Field. 

 


 Our History click to expand

Originally built in 1897 as a private residence by the William Inman family, the graceful Hope Lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is a perfect example of colonial revival architecture. It is located in the Lincoln Estate - Elm Park district of Worcester.

Since opening its doors in 1985, the Lodge has provided help and caring by offering free, temporary lodging to thousands of cancer patients and caregivers from around the nation and around the world.

All of our efforts at Hope Lodge Worcester are directed to ensure our guests enjoy a truly warm and welcoming 'home away from home,' a serene and healing place that will ease the difficult times.

When the American Cancer Society opened the doors of the Hope Lodge in Worcester in February of 1985, it was the first facility of its kind in Massachusetts. Harry M. Greene, MD, was vice president of the Hope Lodge Board of Governors. He explained at the time that "new medical therapies offer people with cancer more options. Unfortunately, financial and social burdens often accompany these treatments. Hope Lodge will provide a place of help and caring for these patients."

Sidney Kadish, MD, was the director of radiation oncology at St. Vincent's Hospital and the president of the Society's Greater Worcester Unit when the Lodge opened. He and Dr. Greene worked closely with many other community leaders to realize their goal. "Hope Lodge Worcester is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together to accomplish things beyond the usual," said Dr. Kadish, now a radiation oncologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center. "It was one of the wonderful accomplishments of being involved with the American Cancer Society . . .they supported and encouraged us every step of the way."

 Staff & Volunteers click to expand

Staff

Our dedicated staff and volunteers at Hope Lodge Worcester are committed to providing a caring and supportive environment for our guests and their loved ones. We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible, so please do not hesitate to ask for our assistance. Our mission and purpose is to provide a nurturing home-like environment for our guests.

Debra Aharonian, Worcester Hope Lodge Manager

Debra Aharonian is the Hope Lodge manager. Prior to joining the staff at Hope Lodge Worcester, Debra worked as a social worker for more than 15 years. She is also a former teacher, and has a long volunteer history.

 

Dave McGrath, Worcester Hope Lodge Night Manager

Dave McGrath is the Hope Lodge night manager. Dave is also a former educator, working in special education for more than eight years.

 

Thank you to our volunteers

Thanks are in order to the many people, organizations, hospitals, and friends who make the operation of Hope Lodge possible. Without their support, we would not be able to have such a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.

Special thanks to our Advisory Committee
The members of our Advisory Committee guide our success. We couldn't do what we do without them.

If you would like your organization, group, or business to support Hope Lodge Worcester, please call the Debra Aharonian, the Lodge manager, at 508.792.2985.

 Directions click to expand

Our address is:
American Cancer Society
Hope Lodge Worcester
7 Oak Street
Worcester, MA 01609

Directions to Hope Lodge Worcester

From the East (Boston): Take the Mass Pike (I-90) west to 495 north to 290 west, exit 18. Bear right off the exit ramp and continue straight for two blocks. Take a right onto Highland Street and continue up the hill. Take a left at the third light (at Sole Proprietor) onto West Street. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Elm Street, then take your first left onto Oak Street. Hope Lodge is a big yellow house on the left corner with a sign on the front lawn.

From the West: Take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 10, Auburn. Bear left after the tolls onto Route 290 East toward Worcester. Take Exit 17 onto Route 9 west. Take a left at the exit ramp onto Belmont Street. Continue straight and turn left at the fifth traffic light onto West Street. Then at the first light, turn left onto Elm Street. Take your first left onto Oak Street. Hope Lodge is a big yellow house on the left corner with a sign on the front lawn.

From the North: Take 495 south to 290 west. Take Exit 18 off 290. Bear right off the exit ramp (do not make a right turn which you could also do there) and continue straight for two blocks. At light take a right onto Highland Street and continue up the hill. Take a left at the fourth light (the Sole Proprietor restaurant is on you right) onto West Street. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Elm Street, then take your first left onto Oak Street. Hope Lodge is a big yellow house on the left corner with a sign on the front lawn.


Residency at a Hope Lodge facility is a courtesy extended at the sole discretion of American Cancer Society. All individuals who meet the Hope Lodge eligibility requirements will be welcomed regardless of race, creed, citizenship, physical disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation. For admissions information, please select a Hope Lodge location.
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