Stories

Like many people who have stayed at Hope Lodge, Alice Montagnoli has a unique story to tell about her experience.

“In September 2006, my husband Charles' cancer was found after a colonoscopy,” said Alice. “We called it a blessing in disguise, because otherwise we never would have known he had this disease.”

Charles has a rare type of abdominal cancer called peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis. His oncologist at the University of Pennsylvania referred the Montagnolis to a specialist at the University of Cincinnati. After a consultation, the doctor informed them that Charles would need to return to Cincinnati for surgery. As his wife and primary caregiver, there was no question that Alice would accompany Charles back to Ohio.

“I knew I wouldn't feel secure staying at a hotel by myself for an extended period of time,” said Alice. “When my family and I first went to Cincinnati for my husband's consultation, we stayed in the Hope Lodge there, and I knew I could be happy staying there again when we returned for his surgery. My family was glad I was somewhere safe and didn't have to worry about the expense of staying in a hotel.”

Alice stayed at the Cincinnati Hope Lodge for 40 days. Located just five blocks from the hospital, the Hope Lodge often provided transportation for Alice so that she could be with Charles during the hospital's visiting hours.

“Everyone - including the staff and volunteers - at Hope Lodge were helpful, and showed great care and concern for me,” said Alice. “There was always a pot of coffee brewing or water for tea, and it was nice to sit with the other people staying there and not have to talk about cancer or treatments. We would share stories about our families or just enjoy each other's company. Hope Lodge was truly a home away from home, and staying there was like being part of an extended family.”

On May 24, 2007, Alice joined the Pennsylvania Division for a groundbreaking ceremony on the new AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society in Philadelphia, the first “home away from home” for cancer patients and their families in the Southeast Region.

The AstraZeneca Hope Lodge is being built on property donated by Fox Chase Cancer Center. Located just a quarter mile from Fox Chase, it is ideally situated near the many major cancer centers in the Philadelphia area. When the Lodge opens in 2009, the 30,000-square-foot facility will provide free temporary lodging for an average of 1,300 cancer patients annually who must travel to Philadelphia for outpatient treatment. The new Hope Lodge will feature 37 private guest rooms along with a communal kitchen, dining room, laundry facilities, and living room. In addition, Hope Lodge will provide transportation to and from area treatment centers.

Upon completion, the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge will be the second Hope Lodge in Pennsylvania, joining the Hershey Hope Lodge, located near the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The American Cancer Society currently operates 22 Hope Lodge facilities nationwide, serving more than 20,000 cancer patients and their caregivers every year, with 20 more Hope Lodges in various stages of planning in cities across the United States.

“The groundbreaking was a great experience,” said Alice. “I received so much at Hope Lodge, and participating in the groundbreaking was my opportunity to give back to the American Cancer Society in a small way,” said Alice. “I know that the new Hope Lodge will give someone else the peace of mind I was able to experience during a challenging and difficult time.”