Thousands of Alabamians have found a free place to stay, information and comfort at Hope Lodge while undergoing cancer treatment at Birmingham area hospitals. Last year, from September 2007 to August 2008, the lodge was home to five Marengo County patients. Their say encompassed 117 nights and saved these families approximately $13,455.

Since opening in 2000, the lodge has served visitors from across the state, across the nation and as far away as South America. Some guests stayed only for a couple of days, and others have spent many months.

In the last year, the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge has served more than 480 families, providing more than 11,300 nights, free of charge to these cancer patients. That’s a total savings of more than $1.2 million dollars for these families.

This year’s homecoming will be a big tailgating party. Folks who attend can wear the colors of your favorite team. There will be food, face painting, a photo booth, and more activities throughout the day.

If you’ve been a guest at the Hope Lodge and would like to RSVP for the homecoming celebration, please call Jennifer Cherry at 205-930-8873.