Hotel Partners Program Supports Cancer Patients

Alex Dawes (second from left) and Embassy Suites staff pictured with Kelli Azar from KATU (right) at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kick off event at The Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown.

​If you’re a cancer patient and your doctor says, “Your best hope for a cure is in another city,” your first thought may be, “Where am I going to stay and how am I going to pay for it?” 
 
The American Cancer Society can help. The Society works together with hotels through its Hotel Partners Program to provide complimentary rooms to cancer patients who need to travel out of town to receive treatment. In 2018, more than 211 patients were served through the Hotel Partners Program with nearly 921 nights through participating hotels in Oregon. Though we have great support from numerous partners, last year approximately 247 requests went unmet in the Oregon area - which is why the Society is seeking hotel partners throughout Oregon to help fill the need for free lodging for cancer patients. 
 
The American Cancer Society is proud to partner with and recognize the following Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association Members:

• The Duniway, Portland
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Portland
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square-Portland-Tigard
• La Quinta Inn & Suites, Eugene
• The Mark Spencer, Portland
• Portland Marriott City Center

 
Hotels that partner with the American Cancer Society show a commitment to their communities and to patients struggling with cancer. They can be proud that their hotels are taking an active role in the fight against cancer. “I learned firsthand how difficult it can be on cancer patients that need to travel for treatments when my best friend in Bend, Oregon was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. Being in the hotel business I was able to offer complimentary accommodations when he visited OHSU. My thoughts quickly went to those that do not have a connection or friend in the hotel business, what do they do? When I learned that the American Cancer Society offered a program to assist those patients, the Duniway was eager to partner.” - Ryan Kunzer (GM, The Duniway)

“Defeating Cancer is a global challenge, fought locally. Along with many hotel partners here in Portland, we are honored to support the families of patients as they go through what must be one of the most stressful times of their lives.” - Alex Dawes (GM, Embassy Suites Downtown Portland). Dawes, Embassy Suites in Downtown Portland, General Manager, is also demonstrating his commitment to the fight against cancer by participating in the 2019 Real Men Wear Pink campaign. “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Real Men Wear Pink campaigns are all about ensuring ongoing awareness and having some fun at the same time.”

The American Cancer Society is seeking additional hotel partners for the program. If you are interested in partnering to provide complimentary rooms for cancer patients or have an executive interested in participating in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign, please contact Courtney Clark at [email protected] or 503.795.3971.
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For information about American Cancer Society programs and services, including lodging, please visit Cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

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