Travel Resources
Another issue that affects Mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness victims is travel and lodging expenses. Because Mesothelioma is rare and specialists are spread throughout the country, patients often have to travel to receive the best care. At times they may have to stay in a different city and/or state to receive treatment. Families and loved ones must find housing in the area and have associated travel expenses too. I’ve listed some helpful resources for travel and lodging.
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www.cancerpatienttravel.org (Charitable travel and housing arrangements through the National Patient Travel Center #1-800-296-1217 and the National Association of Hospitality Houses #1-800-542-9730)
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www.aircharitynetwork.org (National charitable aviation network matching people in need of “free” flights and other travel resources that can provide healing and hope #1-877-621-7177)
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www.nahhh.org (National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. is a non-profit that provides lodging and other supportive services to patients and families confronted with medical emergencies #1-800-542-9730)
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http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Hope_Lodge.asp (Hope Lodge provides free, temporary housing facilities for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment #1-800-ACS-2345)
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www.rare-cancer.org/medical-travel-assistance.html (Rare Cancer Alliance provides information and assistance with flights, ground transportation, and lodging #1-800-345-6324)
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www.patienttravel.org (National Patient Travel Center facilitates patient access to appropriate charitable medical air transportation resources in the U.S. #1-800-296-1217)
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www.joeshouse.org (Joe’s House is a housing resource for cancer patients and their families who must travel away from home for medical treatment #1-877-563-7468)
Many treatment centers have negotiated discounts with local resources. Talk to your social worker and/or guest services regarding possible resources.
[…] Most mesothelioma patients are between 50 and 70 years old because the disease’s latency period is so great. Brandon is young to have been diagnosed; he suspects that he was exposed to asbestos before age five. But like he does with his football opponents, Brandon is determined to tackle the cancer. Because it was detected early, doctors are confident they can treat the mesothelioma with surgeries and chemotherapy. The treatment schedule is demanding and expensive; the plan requires nine flights and hotel stays in New York City, all out of the couple’s pockets. They are looking into available travel resources. […]