We've been in Boston for two weeks now and medically all things are progressing as expected. Socially, better than expected.
We were invited to attend a Gala/fundraiser hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) at the Boston Garden, proceeds go to the Hope Lodge in Boston. The goal, $1M. It was very lavish and our tickets were paid for by a very generous supporter of both the ACS and Hope Lodge. We were also fortunate to be seated at his table.
Jim Foster and his wife were interested in Madi’s experience with the Hope Lodge. Madi said something that that seemed to touch them. “People there are interested in getting to know me, not my cancer”. After a short time, Madi was asked what she was doing the next day. Long story short…
Madi was presented us with 4 tickets, opening day at Fenway. Jim is the 2014 honorary spokesman for the ACS Hope Lodge fundraising event(s), and the CEO of Charles River Labs that has a suite at the Park. Sweet! He also sent a car to/from Fenway. The whole experience was amazing… Madi felt like royalty. We all did.
I cannot offer enough praise about the Hope Lodge Boston, Google it for more info if you’re interested. The first floor has a yoga room, art room, library, large living room, media/theater room with plush recliners with a killer sound system, and 4 mega kitchens with a common eating area where people congregate. There are four commercial kitchens with a central dining area. Floors 2-4 are mini-suites and on each, a laundry room, large TV/living room. In all 4 corners of floors 2-4 are sitting areas with two windows and one chaise lounge. If people want their own mini sun-room, there are 12 total and by design, seating for one. Hope Lodge is a community filled with support. If patients feel like alone time there are plenty of places to have that without feeling crowded or trapped in their own rooms.
The patients and caregivers at the Hope Lodge are awesome, each and every one. The caregivers and patients can each relate to their peers on a level that unless you're a patient or a caregiver, you might not understand.
The Gala/fundraiser exceeded their goal, over a million. So far, Boston is treating Madison like the rock star that she is, more pictures on the Photo Gallery tab of this site.
So how is Madi?! Whelp, rather than looking like a bald chemo patient she looks like a gal with an attitude. He hair is growing in and she has more color in her face. After two weeks of radiation (6 total this trip), her throat is starting to get sore but seems manageable at this point.
We were invited to attend a Gala/fundraiser hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) at the Boston Garden, proceeds go to the Hope Lodge in Boston. The goal, $1M. It was very lavish and our tickets were paid for by a very generous supporter of both the ACS and Hope Lodge. We were also fortunate to be seated at his table.
Jim Foster and his wife were interested in Madi’s experience with the Hope Lodge. Madi said something that that seemed to touch them. “People there are interested in getting to know me, not my cancer”. After a short time, Madi was asked what she was doing the next day. Long story short…
Madi was presented us with 4 tickets, opening day at Fenway. Jim is the 2014 honorary spokesman for the ACS Hope Lodge fundraising event(s), and the CEO of Charles River Labs that has a suite at the Park. Sweet! He also sent a car to/from Fenway. The whole experience was amazing… Madi felt like royalty. We all did.
I cannot offer enough praise about the Hope Lodge Boston, Google it for more info if you’re interested. The first floor has a yoga room, art room, library, large living room, media/theater room with plush recliners with a killer sound system, and 4 mega kitchens with a common eating area where people congregate. There are four commercial kitchens with a central dining area. Floors 2-4 are mini-suites and on each, a laundry room, large TV/living room. In all 4 corners of floors 2-4 are sitting areas with two windows and one chaise lounge. If people want their own mini sun-room, there are 12 total and by design, seating for one. Hope Lodge is a community filled with support. If patients feel like alone time there are plenty of places to have that without feeling crowded or trapped in their own rooms.
The patients and caregivers at the Hope Lodge are awesome, each and every one. The caregivers and patients can each relate to their peers on a level that unless you're a patient or a caregiver, you might not understand.
The Gala/fundraiser exceeded their goal, over a million. So far, Boston is treating Madison like the rock star that she is, more pictures on the Photo Gallery tab of this site.
So how is Madi?! Whelp, rather than looking like a bald chemo patient she looks like a gal with an attitude. He hair is growing in and she has more color in her face. After two weeks of radiation (6 total this trip), her throat is starting to get sore but seems manageable at this point.
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