American Cancer Society B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge — Rochester, NY

Free lodging is provided for cancer patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient’s cancer diagnosis.

All lodging requests must begin with a referral from the patient's treatment facility located near the Hope Lodge community. Potential guests should coordinate a request through their treatment facility doctor or social worker. Rooms are available on a first-referred, first-served basis.

Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Being a Hope Lodge guest is a courtesy extended at the sole discretion of the American Cancer Society. All individuals who meet Hope Lodge eligibility requirements will be welcome regardless of race, creed, citizenship, disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation.

What time can I check in?

Check-in hours are normally noon to 8 p.m., but those details can be determined once Hope Lodge staff speak with guests to confirm their stay.

May I have visitors?

Visitors are welcome and encouraged during your stay at the Hope Lodge facility. All visitors must sign in at the front desk, wear a visitor’s badge, and stay in designated public/visiting areas. Hope Lodge staff will speak with you about specific visiting hours.

How many guests can stay in the guest rooms?

The patient and one caregiver may stay in the room. More than two people per guest room is not permitted.

Can my caregiver stay at the Hope Lodge community if I am in the hospital?

If a patient is admitted to the hospital during their stay at the Hope Lodge facility, the guest’s room will be held for a limited time and the caregiver’s stay may be extended. The situation will be assessed and discussed with the caregiver as needed. Since our priority is providing access to care for as many outpatient guests as possible, the caregiver will need to vacate the guest room if there are other eligible patients needing the room.

Can my child stay with me? 

Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to stay in the facility. However, they are welcome to visit during visiting hours.

Is transportation available to the cancer treatment facilities?

Transportation may be provided by this Hope Lodge community or nearby treatment facilities.  Hope Lodge staff will speak with you about specific options available at this location.

Is storage for my food available?

Each guest has a designated kitchen storage area, as well as designated refrigerator/freezer spaces.  Food must be stored, cooked, and consumed in the kitchen and dining room areas. Food and beverages, other than water, are not allowed in the guest rooms.

May I receive mail or packages at the Hope Lodge facility?

All Hope Lodge guests are welcome to receive mail and packages. Packages left at the front desk for guests will be kept in a secure location. 

The exception to this process is medication and medical equipment deliveries. Hope Lodge guests must accept and sign for their own medication and must arrange for medical equipment deliveries and pickups at the end of their stay. 

Are there phones in the guest rooms?

There is a phone in each guest room, and all local calls are free. If you need to make long-distance calls, please bring a phone card or a cell phone with you.

How long can I stay at the Hope Lodge community?

All referrals from the treatment center must provide both an estimated treatment start date and end date.  Eligible patients and caregivers may be admitted up to 24 hours prior to the initiation of treatment and must leave no more than 24 hours after treatment is completed.  If a hospital extends the patient’s treatment schedule beyond the date on the initial referral, a new referral needs to be submitted at least 5 days before the initial end date. Hope Lodge staff will try to accommodate the extended request; however, new guests with confirmed stays or guests on a wait-list will receive priority.

Does the Hope Lodge community have wireless capabilities?

Yes, there is wireless access available for guests.

Are meals provided at the Hope Lodge facility?

Guests are responsible for supplying and preparing their own food. However, thanks to the generosity of many local community groups, religious organizations, and friends of the Hope Lodge community, dinners are often prepared and provided during the week for guests and caregivers.

Is there a charge to stay at the Hope Lodge community?

No. The Hope Lodge facility provides free lodging to patients and caregivers, thanks to donations from generous individuals, organizations, and corporations to the American Cancer Society.

Is maid service provided?

Daily room cleaning is not available to guests. Guests are responsible for the upkeep of their room and kitchen/dining cleanup during their stay at the facility. Cleaning supplies are provided.

Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, and guests are responsible for all personal laundry, including towels and bedding (which are provided). Laundry supplies are also provided.

Are there social activities at the Hope Lodge community?

Yes, various social activities are scheduled during the week/month. Examples could include bingo, cooking classes, holiday events, and dinners sponsored by generous volunteers and local organizations.

Your generous donations to support the Hope Lodge program allow us to continue to provide free, safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging for patients who need to travel away from home to get the cancer treatment they need.

In addition to financial support, our Hope Lodge communities are always in need of basic supplies. Please contact the Hope Lodge staff to discuss specific needs at this time.

Volunteering for the American Cancer Society means you have an opportunity to save lives and fulfill your own. When you volunteer at a Hope Lodge facility, you can:

• Help cancer patients and their families
• Make a meaningful difference in your community
• Have flexible options and opportunities that fit your schedule

Examples of volunteer opportunities include:

• Front desk and receptionist assistance
• Planning patient/guest activities
• Assisting with maintenance of building and landscaping
• Preparing dinner for patients/guests
• Spring cleaning activities (great for groups)
• Hosting a game night for patients/guests
• Sharing your talent with guests – playing music, singing, etc.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Hope Lodge community near you.