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).