For people in need of specialized cancer treatment away from their hometown, finding a place to stay in a new city can be a huge financial and emotional stressor. Often, this can mean the difference between receiving a treatment or not.

I recently learned that the American Cancer Society helps to make treatment easier and more accessible for adult cancer outpatients and their caregivers through their Hope Lodge program. These temporary housing facilities are available free of charge in more than 20 locations throughout the U.S.

This video, filmed at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge New York City Jerome L. Greene Family Center, provides a glimpse into what life is like at one of these facilities. What struck me most about this video was the incredible spirit of the patients (and their caregivers, too) in spite of dealing with the challenges of cancer treatment. With support from the Hope Lodge staff and other guests, patients are able to focus all of their energies on getting better.

Now the way I learned about all of this was because The American Cancer Society recently honored Chairman and CEO Bill Weldon and Johnson & Johnson for leadership in finding ways to better prevent and treat cancer. Proceeds from the event were donated to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge New York City Jerome L. Greene Family Center.