On October 29, the Society's New England Division opens the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston. Situated close to Boston's world-class medical institutions, the 50,000-square-foot facility is the third American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New England. Hope Lodge facilities offer free accommodations for cancer patients whose best treatment options are far from home.
"This new facility is the realization of a dream," said Don Gudaitis, chief executive officer of the New England Division. "Facing cancer is one of life's greatest challenges, but finding a place to stay in Boston during treatment shouldn't be."
The campaign to open a Hope Lodge in Boston began four years ago; to date, more than $26 million has been raised by the volunteer Boston Campaign Cabinet, co-chaired by David S. Rosenthal, MD, and Burt Adelman, MD. The Society received a $7 million naming gift from AstraZeneca LP, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
Currently, only 61 hospitality rooms are available to cancer patients traveling to Boston for medical treatment, while the number of patients needing such support continues to rise. The lodge provides 40 guest suites in a supportive, home-like atmosphere for cancer patients and their caregivers during a difficult and emotional time. In addition, the building will house a Quality of Life Center for the Society's community programs and patient services.
The AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Boston joins the newly opened Russell and Ann Gerdin Hope Lodge in Iowa City, Iowa, and an expanded Carol Grotnes Belk Hope Lodge in Charleston, South Carolina, to bring the total number of Hope Lodge rooms to 852.