Located in close proximity to each of the hospitals listed is a “Ronald McDonald House.” The Ronald McDonald House provides a clean, warm, and supportive place to stay for out-of-town families with pediatric cancer patients. Their fee is usually a nominal $25–$35 per night. Depending on the situation, this fee can sometimes be waived by the hospital social services department.
If you choose a hospital that requires traveling a significant distance from home, be sure to contact that hospital’s social services department as soon as possible. They will assign you a social worker who can help arrange accommodations at the Ronald McDonald House. They may also be able to provide help and financial assistance with flights and other travel-related issues.
Chances are you have a Community Foundation that works with many local donors and philanthropists. I would urge you to contact your Community Foundation and talk to the Executive Director. There may be a nonprofit or two dedicated to the mission of helping community members deal with medical issues. There may be local service organizations that have created grant programs to help children and adults dealing with cancer treatment. If you live in a very small town, investigate your neighboring communities and cities. Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce about your situation.
