Stories

Editor's Note: Shirley Johnson was a guest of the Cincinnati Hope Lodge for 81 days until January 2007 while she battled cancer in her neck. Her daughter and caregiver, Sandy, stayed with her. We invited Shirley to write about her time at the lodge.

I never expected my cancer treatment would bring me to Cincinnati. After my surgery two years ago, I thought I had beaten cancer. But just eight months later, it returned to my neck and upper chest. Doctors in Atlanta told me it was inoperable, but I wanted a second opinion.

Thankfully, a friend of mine put me in touch with doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. To my delight, they said they could help; they would remove the cancer and give me six weeks of radiation.

But the great news led to more problems. Where in Cincinnati would I stay, and how could I pay for an extended hotel visit on my fixed income? Thankfully, a nurse told me about the American Cancer Society's Cincinnati Hope Lodge, the home away from home for cancer patients. It seemed too good to be true.

When we arrived at the Hope Lodge after our long 500-mile drive from Atlanta, I suddenly had hope again - hope to beat cancer and hope to have a wonderful place where my daughter Sandy and I could stay.

Hope Lodge provides for every need you could possibly have. It offers a clean, safe, beautiful room and full bath. It's close to the hospitals and treatment centers with transportation in the Kroger van. You can prepare your own food in one of the four full kitchens. Each floor has a large laundry room with supplies of Tide, Downy and Bounce. Guests have access to computers, books and movies. Most importantly, the spiritual support we received from guests and staff meant a great deal to us.

Without the Hope Lodge I would not have been able to come to Cincinnati for my life-saving surgery and treatment. When this word "cancer" attacks a member of your family, it is wonderful to know that you can seek out a doctor and treatment that can save your life, no matter how far away from your home that may be. Hope Lodge saved me. I’m happy to say that I’ve been cancer-free for almost a year.

The Hope Lodge can only continue with generous donations and volunteers. What better place to give your time and money than to a place that gives hope to so many.