American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Buffalo
Find Us On: 
197 Summer Street
Buffalo, New York
800-227-2345 or 716-882-9244
Stories & Comments
Sam's Story
April 16th will be a date etched in Sam Graham's mind forever. It was the day the Chittenango, NY native, got a second chance at life and underwent a bone marrow transplant. Nine months prior to his transplant, Sam, then 34, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma. After several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy at a local Syracuse hospital, Sam's cancer came back with a vengeance. His doctor felt Sam's best chance at successful treatment would be found at a cancer center located nearly three hours away - in Buffalo. Solely focused on getting better, Sam made arrangements to travel to Western New York and meet with his new doctor. After his consultation, a new treatment plan was established that would culminate in a bone marrow transplant. "After meeting with the doctor, we then met with a hospital social worker," said Jean Karl, Sam's mom. "She handed us all sorts of information that included housing recommendations. Up until that point, we weren't even thinking about where Sam was going to stay. We were so focused on getting him the right treatment - it just never occurred to us. When I saw the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge listed, and that it was free of charge to stay there, I was praying that they would have a room available." As luck would have it, the Hope Lodge Buffalo had a room available for Sam and Jean, who would serve as his primary caregiver while undergoing treatment. "It's bad enough trying to get through something like this, and then having to worry about where you're going to stay and how you're going to pay for it," said Sam Graham. "As a bone marrow transplant patient, I have to be closely monitored for about 100 days. I can't imagine what my hotel bill would have been for that length of time." The Lodge has also been a very healing place for the father of two. "I have met so many wonderful people here," he said. "And I've gained tremendous strength and support from them - mainly because they can relate to what I am going through. There's not a hotel anywhere who can offer that kind of amenity to its guests."
- “Your welcoming, helpful spirit was such a gift at this very difficult time.”
- “The Hope Lodge is a real gift during this time of need. Thank you so much for welcoming me and my family.”
- “You have provided a place of peace. It is my hope that many will be comforted, encouraged and restored in spirit when they stay at the Hope Lodge.”
- “The Buffalo Hope Lodge is the most friendly place I have ever been. The people are great and the rooms are comfortable and very homey. Sometimes I feel sad when I have to leave the new friends I have made while staying there. They know first hand what I am going through as we are going through this cancer journey together.”
- “There will never be enough words to thank you for your kindness during the time we spent at your facility. Without people like you and the dedication you show, it certainly would have made a difficult time even harder.”
- “As we leave Hope Lodge to go back to Florida, we realize how much we will miss it and all the friends we have made. Hope Lodge became our 'home away from home.' Staying here has helped make this encounter with cancer more bearable with all the love and support we received.”
- “I am not a patient at Hope Lodge, but my mother is. I have learned so much during the week I have stayed here with my mom. I have heard so many stories by such inspiring people. I've learned that life is too short for anyone to take it for granted. I'm so very glad that I had the opportunity to stay here. This is a place of HOPE. This is a wonderful place with wonderful people. Thank you for giving me the experience of being with real, honest and caring people.”
- “I came here on Tuesday evening fearful of what lay ahead for me. I'd like to thank everyone for their honesty and openness. You have taught me to take things one day at a time and that I am not alone in my trials of life.”
- “I came to Hope Lodge and was given a warm welcome by the staff and other guests. What a lovely warm cheerful home away from home.”
- “My best friend, Cindy, and I are leaving Hope Lodge after staying here for a week. We love Hope Lodge. There couldn't be a better place to stay for the situation all of us are in.”
- “I arrived at Hope Lodge alone and you wrapped your arms around me. My children came, and you took them in. You were here as my friends and the love in your heart shows in your eyes. Many more will come and more will go. I hope they all find a family as I have at Hope Lodge.”
- “When my sister and I brought our mom to Hope Lodge, we were really lost. I have never really been anywhere without my husband - neither has my sister. Thank God there is such a place for people and patients like us. We've met great people here and will never forget it.”
- “We will be forever grateful to the American Cancer Society for providing cancer sufferers and their caregivers a refuge such as Hope Lodge - a wonderful warm and beautiful environment which makes such a difference to the suffering and anxiety felt by patients and family members alike. We felt very much at home here and made new friends with whom we hope to stay in touch. Staying here and meeting 'new family' was a blessing, which unexpectedly came from a bad period in our lives - proof that behind every gray cloud there's always a silver lining. People have been so kind and we will always have the nicest of memories of Buffalo.”
- “Hopefully, your house (Hope Lodge) will always be here to shed a beacon of blazing light for anyone who comes this way.”
- “It feels like coming home when we come to the Hope Lodge in Buffalo. Thank you for allowing us to stay in this haven.”
