I am familiar with the American Cancer Society; as I am sure most people are … their healthy living campaigns, push for early detection, and tireless efforts researching cancer causes and cures. However, the American Cancer Society offers a great deal more, particularly in the area of supporting those currently undergoing treatment for cancer. I was introduced to one such specific program earlier this month – Hope Lodge.
I had an opportunity to visit the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was not familiar with the Hope Lodge and was amazed with what I experienced and learned.
Hope Lodge is a free place for cancer patients and a caregiver to stay when traveling away from home to receive treatments. There are 2 Hope Lodges in Minnesota – Minneapolis and Rochester. Altogether, there are 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States.
I found Hope Lodge to be a warm and welcoming place with the feel of both hotel and home. A patient and a caregiver share a private room with bathroom en suite. The Lodge encourages interaction among its guests by offering several family-style gathering rooms with large TVs, fireplaces, books, games and movies. There is a full kitchen, laundry facilities, a game room, craft room, and workout area. Just like at home, guests are responsible for cooking their own meals, cleaning up after themselves in the kitchen and cleaning their rooms before departing.
Guest stays vary in length from a few days to several months. The goal of Hope Lodge is to ease the financial burden for those traveling away from home to receive treatment allowing them to focus on healing.
I encourage you to learn more about Hope Lodge and other support services and resources available through the American Cancer Society.
