The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation has recently expanded its popular corporate apartment program for sarcoma cancer patients.  In 2007, ASCF started the program to complement its existing "Shared Families" hospitality house concept which connects Houstonians who have a room to share with visiting sarcoma patients.  "While 'Shared Families' works for many of our patients, after Hurricane Katrina, we realized that the hospitality house program doesn't work for everyone,"  states Melissa Amschwand Bellinger, ASCF Board Chair.  As a result, and after much research, ASCF board members voted unanimously to partner with Premier Corporate Housing on a new initiative. 

With help from Premier President Marie Keramati, ASCF signed  its first apartment lease in March 2007, with furniture and housewares generously donated by the Houston-based company.  Since that time, the apartment has been occupied almost 100% of the time, only vacated for cleanings between its residents. 

At the beginning of 2008, ASCF expanded the program to include a second apartment, which also has been occupied continuously by out of town patients (and their families) in desperate need of housing in the Houston area.   ASCF Tangible Support Council Chairs Danetta Beaushaw and Margaret Ling both of whom have had familiy members claimed by the disease, hope to expand the program even more in the future as the need arises. 

ASCF's corporate apartments are offered to sarcoma patients and/or their families free of charge however, it is not just the financial toll that is lessened for our program's participants, but the emotional one as well.  "Out of the many trips we've made to Houston for Eric's treatment, staying with you has by far been the best experience we've had to date...[the apartment] has literally been our home away from home," stated co-survivor Carrie Riley.  Her husband Eric  adds "when I get back on my 'feet' you will hear from me.  I WILL find a way to give back to ASCF!"  In fact, Eric already has.  He is not just surviving, but thriving.  Even after countless rounds of chemo and a leg amputation in 2007 (when the family stayed with ASCF), the Riley family's spirits are soaring....even more so since being declared "cancer free" in early 2008. 

Unfortunately, no other program of its kind exists in the area and the need is tremendous.  The emotional and financial toll taken on patients who receive treatment away from home (a necessity for most sarcoma patients) is inconceivable.  "Imagine being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and then being told you must seek treatment away from home, away from your loved ones, away from your entire support network" stated ASCF Founder Tom Amschwand.  Fortunately, ASCF has stepped in to offer just a little support in this area.  "We can't even believe the gratitude that we get from our patients and families....it certainly lets us know we're on to something good," states Bellinger. 

For more information on the ASCF corporate apartment program, contact the ASCF office at (832) 367-9474 (WISH) or email us at info@sarcomacancer.org