Stories

Jim and Mary Ann Stadulis of Plains, Pennsylvania know the Hope Lodge in Hershey very well. They have been coping with cancer and its treatment since Jim was diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma in September 2000. Traveling to Hershey Medical Center is a stressful five hour round-trip for them, and that year was their first encounter with the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. The supportive “home away from home” was a gift in ways too numerous to mention. Jim's first bone marrow transplant was in July 2001. The Stadulises were welcomed for their long stay, and being with other cancer patients made Hope Lodge a haven for them.

While staying at Hope Lodge, the Stadulises developed friendships with other patients and caregivers who also traveled long distances for their treatments. They too experienced similar challenges with cancer treatment far from home. Each person staying at Hope Lodge felt the facility was a blessing during a difficult time.

In January 2007, Jim's lymphoma recurred and on May 1, 2008 Jim received his second transplant. Once again, Hope Lodge was there. The Stadulises feel that there is just something about the ambiance of Hope Lodge when you enter that makes you feel like you are in your own home, and that has made all the difference to them.