Maybe they call New York ” the city that never sleeps”, because it costs so much for a hotel room to sleep in.
Today I found out about a place that’s the best kept secret in town.
Great midtown location. Nice rooms. A fully equipped kitchen on every floor. A library. A great room with a fireplace and a grand piano.
A huge terrace with a view of the Empire State building. Even a meditation room .
All this and the price tops any deal on Priceline—it’s free.
Of course there’s a catch—the Hope Lodge isn’t open to just anyone.
It’s for the exclusive use of cancer patients and their caregivers, part of a chain across the country run by the American Cancer Society.
My tour is connected to the reason I’m in New York, for a meeting of the ACS Blogger Advisory Council.
However my visit to the Hope Lodge affected me not as a blogger, but as a cancer survivor.
As someone who’s visited cities all over the country for cancer treatment both as a patient and a caregiver —I’m all too familiar with nights spent in lonely and expensive hotel rooms, far from home. So I can’t begin to describe the impact the Hope Lodge had on me.
With more than 60 rooms and suites, the Hope Lodge meets a desperate need—and not only in New York, where the Lodge can house only 10% of the patients who would be eligible. They come from all over the world; and they find their way here based on the recommendation of the hospitals where they’re being treated.
With an average stay of 3 weeks, patients get far more than a bed—they get a community of people, and support in every possible way offered by the ACS that is an extension of the healing process—from nutrition seminars to yoga.
It’s more than a hotel; it’s a haven.
For anyone who’s ever given New York a bad rap for being unfriendly, here’s hope.
That’s so lovely Darryle. Heart warming and heartening.
XXOO
It is heartening—and hopeful, just knowing that a place like this exists. I had no idea before my visit.
Darryle, such a great post. So glad the Hope Lodge had such a profound effect on you as it does most of us who have fought that hard-fought battle against the disease and truly understand what Hope Lodge means to people who have to travel far for treatment that is the best opportunity to save their life. Thanks for writing and for all you do as a member of the ACS Blogger Advisory Council!
When I visit NEW YORK my dauther and my self visit FLAVIA but more I very gratefull becausemy son WILLI stayed, he was happy for the place ,memory for him because GOD LOVE ALL OF YOU.
Thank you for all you do–I’m just glad to learn about all the Hope Lodges and what a difference they make to so many people. I can’t get over what an amazing and inspirational place it is—and I only wish there were rooms for all the people who need them.
Thank you Ada, for commenting. I’m sure you are speaking for all the many people who have appreciated the opportunity to stay at a Hope Lodge.
Beautiful post! Hope Lodge is an amazing place, isn’t it?
Amazing–wish there were more of them for all those who need them.