Friday, March 21, 2014

Charlotte cancer patients can get free and reduced-cost lodging

Charlotte and Durham are among the U.S. cities where cancer patients can now benefit from a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Extended Stay America hotel chain.

Patients can get free or low-cost lodging while they're receiving cancer treatment away from home.

The American Cancer Society launched the program in Atlanta, Boston and Houston last October, and it has now expanded to 10 more, including Charlotte and Durham. The program will soon go nationwide.

Since October, the society has booked nearly 2,900 rooms serving 567 patients. Over two years, Extended Stay America has promised to provide 40,000 hotel stays to cancer patients, including 20,000 free rooms and 20,000 stays for $12 a night.

To request a room, call the American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345.