The American Cancer Society plans to build Hope Lodge Lubbock by 2010 as a refugee for cancer patients who travel more than 50 miles to receive treatment.
Tamara Cannon, community development manager of the American Cancer Society in Lubbock, said the city was chosen because it is a large medical hub with a wide variety of services.
Cannon said Hope Lodge will provide a place to stay for people who travel more than 50 miles to get their cancer treatment.
More than 3,450 people in the Lubbock and West Texas region will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and as many as 2,200 of them will travel several hours each day to Lubbock to receive treatment, according to a news release.
Kym McGee, area director of communications for the American Cancer Society, said one of the organization's goals and national priorities is to diminish suffering from cancer and improve the quality of life of those affected by the disease.
"The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge promises to be one of the most tangible demonstrations of the American Cancer Society's commitment to improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families," McGee said, "by directly combating the financial burden of the disease and offering unprecedented access to quality care."
With the Hope Lodge, the society hopes to provide 35 private guests rooms and other facilities such as kitchen and laundry, conference rooms, dining room, a library and a meditation room, she said, and free transportation will be provided to local cancer treatment centers on a daily basis for patients staying at the Lodge.
Nearly half of all patients treated for cancer in Lubbock travel more than 50 miles each way, she said, and the financial burdens leave many patients unable to afford traveling to receive treatment.
In 1970, the society opened its first Hope Lodge in South Carolina, McGee said, and the organization hopes to build 50 Hope Lodges nationwide by the year 2010.
"The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge - a free, 24-hour, temporary residential facility - offers a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers while receiving outpatient treatment," McGee said.
The society plans to raise $15 million for a building, to sustain the operation and as an endowment, McGee said. The society intends to raise the money through contributions and donations from the community and organizations.
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