Cancer Patients Traveling for Treatment Can Access Free Accommodations. Here’s How.

Cost of accessing care is one of the most damaging aspects of cancer – adding stress and anxiety to an already challenging time when affected individuals should be focusing on their health. Out of pocket costs can quickly eat into savings, rent or mortgage payments, and cause a loss of income capacity.

While new and advanced treatments allow more people the opportunity to beat cancer than ever before, 11 of the 12 cancer drugs that the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2012 were priced at more than $100,000 per year, according to the AARP. That doesn’t include the costs associated with getting to and from care, lodging and meals while traveling for treatment. When saving for cancer care, every penny counts.

Now The Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation (BMCF) has launched an innovative partnership to help relieve part of this burden by offering cancer patients and their families free housing when traveling for treatment through a collaboration with Airbnb’s generous hosts that participate in the Open Homes program.

BMCF has been based in New York City since 1992 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer and transplant patients and their families throughout the United States. Working with over 200 cancer centers in the United States, BMCF receives thousands of housing request calls from patients, their families and caregivers. BMCF has already housed hundreds of patients through Airbnb’s Open Homes Program.

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation and to Airbnb. The home was a mile away from my hospital and made me feel so safe during my aggressive cancer treatment. It has been a blessing for me and my family as I’m in remission now,” shared Nousheen, age 34.

According to Airbnb, about 2,000 patients and their families have booked housing through the Open Homes program so far, contributing to Airbnb’s overall goal of housing 100,000 people in need by 2022.

“We know that the cost of temporary accommodations can be a major barrier to receiving treatment for critical illnesses. Since launching our medical stays program six months ago, our team has helped connect thousands of patients with our generous host community to give them homes where they can rest and recuperate,” said Joe Gebbia, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Airbnb, in a press release announcing the Open Homes partnership.

For more information on how to access the BMCF Open Homes program, visit: http://bonemarrow.org/financial-assistance/open-homes/