News
Preparations underway for Lodge’s first birthday
AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston provides free lodging for more than 400 guests in first eleven months
The American Cancer Society looks forward to celebrating the first birthday of the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston this fall. After years of planning and construction, the 125 South Huntington building stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their loved ones. “We knew we were coming to Boston for treatment, but we had no idea how we were going to afford a city hotel,” said Greg Jenkins, just one of the more than 400 cancer patients who have stayed at the Lodge since it opened in November of 2008. “When the social worker told us we were eligible to stay at the Lodge, our worries melted away.”
Each of the American Cancer Society’s 29 Hope Lodges offers free accommodations for cancer patients undergoing treatment far from home, but they are also a valuable resource for the community as well as Lodge guests. “Guests at the Lodge are connected to all the programs and services of the American Cancer Society,” explained David Rosenthal, MD, the co-chair of the Boston Regional Campaign Cabinet that led the effort to build the Lodge. “Our volunteers provide rides to treatment, support groups for patients and caregivers, and access to a host of other services.” For some, simply staying at the Lodge and meeting others who share their experience is a tremendous benefit – and, so far, demand has exceeded expectations.
Cancer patients who travel more than 40 miles to Boston for outpatient treatment are eligible to stay at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center. To date, guests have come from 35 states and 4 foreign countries. The majority of patients bring a caregiver who can stay with them in one of the Lodge’s suites. At the eleven-month mark, the Lodge had provided nearly 17,500 free nights’ of lodging in private suites to cancer patients and their caregivers.
The birthday celebration will include an open house on Saturday, November 7, 2009, and other activities at the Lodge.
.
New ‘Conquer Cancer’ Plates Available
Support the American Cancer Society via the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston.
Conquer Cancer plates are available online at mass.gov/rmv/express/conquerCancer.htm
or at your local RMV branch. Order yours today! Conquer Cancer license plates support the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center and four other cancer organizations.