Press Releases

Facing cancer is one of life's greatest challenges. Finding an affordable, supportive place to stay during treatment shouldn't be. The American Cancer Society is pleased to announce its newest and largest Hope Lodge in the nation: the Hope Lodge New York City Jerome L. Greene Family Center.

Located just steps from Penn Station at 132 W. 32 St., the Hope Lodge in Manhattan meets an urgent, practical need for free, comfortable, safe housing in the heart of New York City and is the only free facility of its kind in the New York metro area providing lodging and support services for those who must travel far from home to access specialized cancer treatments.

More than just lodging, Hope Lodge eases the emotional and financial hardships faced by many cancer patients while providing a supportive environment and sense of community. Patients may bring a caregiver/companion and are surrounded by people going through the same experience and given the space they need to focus on healing.

"Our Hope Lodge team of volunteers and staff understand the cancer experience. Many have been affected by cancer in some way themselves," said Don Distasio, CEO of the American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey. The Jerome L. Greene Family Center reflects the American Cancer Society's longstanding commitment to survivorship. The average person may know us best for funding research -- but providing direct patient services at the community level has always been an integral part of our mission."

Since opening its doors to patients, the Jerome L. Greene Family Center has provided comfort, connection, and compassion to 250 cancer patients and caregivers from New York, New Jersey, and around the world. Inside Hope Lodge, 60 guest rooms and suites, shared kitchens, laundry facilities and common areas make the building a serene, yet friendly environment. Guests have come from as nearby as New York and New Jersey, and as far away as South America, the Caribbean, Malta, and Greece.

"The Hope Lodge is a priceless gift and an important part of the healing process for the patient and their family," said Sherry Tomley, a recent guest from Virginia. "The Lodge imparts a peace of mind and security of care that extends past the medical treatment, providing hope, comfort and a feeling that you are not alone."

In addition to the Jerome L. Greene Family Center, the new Hope Lodge facility also houses regional offices and a multi-lingual patient service center that provides personalized assistance, programs, and services to newly diagnosed patients who live New York and New Jersey.

Although Hope Lodge New York City is unique in its scope and size, the American Cancer Society operates more than 20 existing Hope Lodges near major cancer centers in other cities, and 20 more are planned. The national network is one of many direct patient services offered by the American Cancer Society.

Reservation requests for Hope Lodge New York City are made through medical treatment providers. The American Cancer Society partners with the major cancer centers in New York City to identify patients with the greatest need for accommodations.

To find a Hope Lodge and to learn more about a specific facility, please call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit us online at www.cancer.org/hopelodgenyc.

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SOURCE: American Cancer Society