www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/q/chi-0330_health1_r_kmar30,0,2175593.story
By Terri Yablonsky Stat
Special to the Tribune
March 30, 2008
Over the last year, Julie Edwards has
made 30 trips to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago
from her East Lansing, Mich., home. Like many cancer patients, she
chose to seek medical treatment away from home.
The
stress of undergoing treatment, let alone from a distance, was made
much easier by finding lodging at very affordable rates. She and
husband Joe have stayed at the Days Inn in Lincoln Park, the Westin
Michigan Avenue, the Drake Hotel and the Inn of Chicago on Ohio,
sometimes on a moment's notice.
It
was all made possible through the American Cancer Society, which offers
patients who travel for treatment free to significantly discounted
rates at area hotels. "If it weren't for the American Cancer Society, I
would not have been able to get this treatment," said Edwards, a mother
of three, two of whom are in college.
Fortunately, there is
support for patients and their families who seek medical treatment in
Chicago from outside the area. It's a safety net for people who often
are living out the worst drama of their lives, and such practical
things as a hotel room or a free ride can seem like a godsend.
American Cancer Society
Through
its Patient Navigator Program, the cancer society contracts with hotels
for discounted rates. This discount applies to those who must travel
even just 50 miles or so, for example, for daily radiation. That means
patients on the edges of the metropolitan area would qualify. They must
contact their hospital social worker or call 800-227-2345 to get the
discounted rate. The society also provides rides to treatment within
the area, arranges taxi service and gives train tickets. Visit
cancer.org.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald
McDonald House provides a homelike atmosphere for families of seriously
ill or injured children under age 21 who travel from home for treatment
at nearby hospitals. In Chicago, there are houses near the University of Chicago
Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center and Children's
Memorial Hospital. A fourth house is under construction near Advocate
Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, set to open in late 2008.
The
houses include kitchen facilities and private bedrooms. Families are
asked to make a donation of $5 to $25 per day. If that is not possible,
they stay for free. Visit rmhc.org.
Children's Memorial Hospital
Ronald
McDonald House at Children's Memorial Hospital serves 21 families of
hospitalized children every night. They also serve families of children
who have been discharged and still require treatment. Families must
live more that 10 miles from the hospital.
Kohl's
House is a home away from home for children who have had recent
transplants and their families. It is owned and operated by the
hospital. Visit childrensmemorial.org for information and for a list of
area hotels offering reduced rates.
Joe's House
Joe's
House provides discounted lodging for patients and families in and
around major medical centers. Its Web site provides a centralized list
of lodging facilities, costs and proximity to medical centers. Visit
joeshouse.org.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Through
its Hoptel Service, Northwestern offers discounted rates at local
hotels for any length of stay. The program serves patients and their
friends and family. The Worcester House, for example, provides
dorm-like rooms for a flat rate of $75 cash per night. Discounted
parking is offered for all outpatient visits and some in-patient
visitors. Call 312-926-7666.
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare
The
Critical Care Family Assistance Program offers hotel stays and rental
cars at reduced rates for out-of-town families of patients in intensive
care at Evanston Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital and Highland Park
Hospital. Food vouchers and free parking also are given to families.
It's supported by ENH, the CHEST Foundation and the Eli Lilly Co. and Foundation. Call
847-570-1810.
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Advocate
Lutheran General Hospital has four furnished apartments across the
street available for rent to patients' families who live outside the
immediate area at a rate of $50 per night with free parking. Two local
hotels also offer discounted rates of $58 and $59 per night (Baymont
Suites and Hampton Inn).
The hospital also provides meal passes for the cafeteria through the
social work charitable fund as well as gift cards for Jewel,
Target and Shell. They also have a clothing supply (both new and gently
used) in adult and children's sizes in case clothing has been cut off
for treatment. Call 847-723-6105.
University of Chicago Medical Center offers access
to reduced-price hotel services at uchospitals.edu/visitor/hotel.
Comer Children's Hospital
has fold-out beds in patient rooms. The hospital also has nine rooms
near the neonatal intensive-care unit where parents can sleep and
shower. Two blocks from the hospital is a new Ronald McDonald House,
with 22 rooms and laundry facilities, kitchens, chapel and playrooms.
Rush University Medical Center has two apartment
buildings for patients who travel for treatment. Call 312-942-5050.
Angel Flight Central
Pilots
donate time, aircraft and fuel to transport children and adults who
cannot afford to travel long distance for treatment. Volunteer pilots
serve patients from Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin,
Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota and will
coordinate travel for them anywhere in the country. Visit
angelflightcentral.org.
Miracle Flights for Kids
The
organization flies children and adults with cancer and debilitating
diseases to specialized treatment centers across the country. Any child
or adult needing medical treatment or seeking a second opinion not
available in his area may apply. Visit miracleflights.org or call
800-359-1711.
Lotsa Helping Hands
This
free, Web-based service helps patients and families organize their
network of family and friends to manage a household back home during
medical treatment. Visit lotsahelpinghands.com.
Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune