Hope Lodge To Offer Relief for Traveling Cancer Patients

"The concept of Hope Lodge is to bring people together."—Mitchell Morgan, Esq., Hope Lodge committee co-chair and CEO of Morgan Properties.

When you receive a cancer diagnosis, your priority is seeking the best treatment. For many patients, the best cancer treatment is not always available in their areas. Consequently, accessing excellent care means long commutes or the added expense of extended hotel stays.

Because of a leadership gift from the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca as well as other significant donor support, the American Cancer Society (ACS) will soon offer respite to those who travel to the Philadelphia area for cancer treatment—the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge.

There are 23 Hope Lodges in the nation, which allow cancer patients to relocate temporarily to receive care at the center of their choice, alleviating the additional burdens of transportation and housing.

The new Hope Lodge, part of the ACS campaign Hope Lives Here, will be constructed on land donated by Fox Chase Cancer Center. When completed in 2008, it will provide 13,500 free nights of lodging annually to cancer patients and their caregivers. It will contain 37 suites as well as dining and common areas.

"The concept of Hope Lodge is to bring people together," says Mitchell Morgan, Esq., Hope Lodge committee co-chair and CEO of Morgan Properties. "We don't want them secluded in their rooms but surrounded by others who are living the same experience."

Garry Pincock, CEO of ACS's Pennsylvania Division, adds, "We've never been more excited to make a real impact in cancer patients' lives." He was especially grateful to Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration between ACS and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The local organization announced the increase of their support to $1 million at the recent groundbreaking ceremony.

Temple University basketball coach Fran Dunphy, member of the local chapter and the National Council of Coaches vs. Cancer, has been involved with the organization for a decade.

"You just hope to help in some small way, especially for those who cannot afford to travel for treatment," Dunphy says. "We wanted to contribute to something tangible. It is a terrific feeling to be a part of this. [The stories you hear] touch your heart. It can happen to you and me."

A personal story from Alice Montegnoli, who stayed at an Ohio Hope Lodge with her husband when he was treated for cancer, illustrated the meaning of the event.

"Hope Lodge was a home away from home for us," she says. "We were there for 40 days. We were never alone. Everyone was so compassionate and they became our extended family."

For Alice's husband and the many others receiving cancer diagnoses each day, the main message is that "they should have the peace of mind to concentrate on becoming well and accessing the best treatment," says AstraZeneca president, Tony Zook.

"Hope Lodge creates an environment of support, of sharing the same battles and the same hopes," he adds.

Part of the money raised toward the Hope Lodge's $10 million campaign will be dedicated to supporting the facility after it is built. Robert C. Young, MD, chancellor for Fox Chase Cancer Center, says he hopes this becomes a new standard in future Hope Lodge campaigns.

Although based at Fox Chase Cancer Center's Laurel Avenue campus, the new Hope Lodge will be available to patients treated at any of the Philadelphia area's cancer treatment centers. Transportation to and from these facilities will be offered.