GULF SHORES, Ala. — For many area cancer patients treatment at hospitals in Birmingham is a reality. When faced with the news that they or their loved ones will have to stay for an extended time so far away from home, the question becomes, “How can we afford it?”

That question is answered by Hope Lodge. The Joe Lee Griffin – Hope Lodge, located in Birmingham, offers a solution to cancer patients who must undergo treatment far from home.

The Hope Lodge provides housing free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis to cancer patients and their families during their course of treatment. The lodge not only reduces the financial burden, but also provides a much-needed supportive environment.

Each of the 33 guest rooms at Hope Lodge has a private bath and sleeping accommodations for two. It also has a dining room, kitchen, library with computer access and recreational areas. In addition, each floor has a day room and guest laundry with 24-hour access.

Candy Porter, who works for the city of Gulf Shores, knows first-hand what Hope Lodge means to the people who stay with them. In 2001 her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Over a nine month period, she stayed at the Lodge several times while undergoing treatment.

“My parents’ experience with Hope Lodge was incredible,” Porter said. “Not only did they receive free lodging, but my father had a network of other spouses to lean on during a very difficult time. My mother lost her battle in 2003 but my father has remained in touch with many of the families that he met while staying at Hope Lodge.”

Local businessman Glenn Kittrell, who last summer was diagnosed with cancer, is heading to Boston in a few weeks. He will be undergoing treatments in that community and will be staying in a Hope Lodge there.

“If not for the American Cancer Society and their work to support Hope Lodge facilities, I would not be able to get the treatment I need,” Kittrell said. “There is no way I could stay in Boston for the two months necessary to complete my treatment.”

Dollars raised at Relay events around Baldwin and Mobile counties help to support Hope Lodge in Birmingham.

The entire community can also help by bringing household supplies to the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Relay day.

Their wish list include: paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, plastic ware (forks and spoons), styrofoam cups, fabric sheets, dishwater detergent, 60-watt light bulbs, disposable latex gloves; cleaning supplies such as Scrubbing Bubbles, window cleaner, furniture polish, liquid disinfectant floor cleaner; For the pantry: dry coffee creamers, quart and gallon size Ziploc bags and aluminum foil; Linens: white pillow cases, white bath cloths and white towels.

Donations will be collected on site at the Gulf Coast Relay for Life, which will be held April 24 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Items will be boxed and delivered to Hope Lodge in the weeks following Relay. For more information please call Event Chairman Jeanne Fitzgibbons at 981-1524.