Hope Lodge is a temporary residence for cancer patients and their families. They are provided with free room and free transportation to the major hospitals in Boston throughout the course of their treatment. People come from all over the country and world - there's even a couple from Haiti currently there - because Boston offers treatment for cancer that cannot be found anywhere else. In particular, many of the patients at the Lodge are receiving the very new "proton and photon" treatment. I'm not exactly sure what this is, but I know it's believed to be very effective for patients who otherwise would have slim chances of survival. There are three children currently residing at the Lodge. Katlyn is 7 years old, and is almost finished with her treatment. Dakota, age 3, and Michaela, age 4, just moved in last week. They both have to be anesthetized in order to receive treatment because they are so young. I am told that the procedure for this new treatment is very quick...it only takes a minute or two for the actual treatment. However, the patient must wear many shields, including an individually fitted mesh face mask. Putting on all the shields takes quite a while, and extends the time of treatment. The children are very brave about the treatment, even though I am sure it is quite traumatic for them.
Here is a picture of the Lodge.
The Lodge is supported in part by the American Cancer Society, which not only provides some funding but also sets up programs and services for the guests.
Much of the Lodge's funding also comes from donations by very generous individuals, families, and companies. If you would like to make a donation, or you would like more information about the Lodge, please write to:
Hope Lodge
7 Oak Street
Worcester, MA 01609