Hope
Lodges
The American Cancer Society created Hope Lodges to provide a
temporary residence to those patients who must travel away from home
to find a cancer treatment facility. Patients must come from a
permanent residence more than 50 miles from their treatment facility
where they are receiving outpatient treatment, and require a three day
or longer stay in that area for treatment. Residents must be approved
for admission by their doctor. These lodges do not have nursing
services, but someone is on duty at all times. Hope Lodges provide
guests with private rooms and kitchen facilities. The American Cancer
Society at (800) ACS-2345 has information about lodges. You should
contact the lodges directly for more information.
Travel Services
National Patient Travel Center (800) 296-1217
This organization offers transportation and hospitality service to
patients needing to travel long distances for specialized medical
evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Some services are free and others
are at highly discounted rates. Patients may call the National Patient
Travel HELPLINE at (800) 296-1217 or go to
www.cancerpatienttravel.org.
AirLifeLine (877) 247-5433
AirLifeLine is a non-profit organization of over 1,500 private pilots
who fly ambulatory patients who cannot afford the cost of travel to
medical facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Pilots donate their
time, aircraft and fuel free of charge for patients who qualify. Call
toll free at (877) AIRLIFE (247-5433).