CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7, Extended Stay America, the largest owner-operated hotel brand in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society, the largest voluntary health organization in the nation, celebrated survivorship with a Cancer Survivors Reunion weekend for guests impacted by Keys of Hope -- the partners' flagship program. Through its Keys of Hope program, Extended Stay America provides free and deeply discounted hotel stays to cancer patients who face the financial challenges and stress of receiving lifesaving treatment far away from home. To date over 45,000 hotel rooms have been donated, impacting more than 6,700 lives.
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In honor of the program's two-year anniversary, the partners hosted a varied group of people whose lives have been affected by cancer to celebrate the day that represents many things to many people: a celebration of survival, support for those recently diagnosed and inspiration to others still fighting.
Families from across the country enjoyed a fun-filled weekend in the Big Apple, including a special keynote and lavender carpet experience with Good Morning America host and cancer survivor Amy Robach at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center. During the event, Amy shared her powerful testimony, including her courageous and public battle with cancer, and she extended messages of inspiration to Keys of Hope guests and Hope Lodge families. Extended Stay America and American Cancer Society also shared remarks of joy, camaraderie and compassion.
On the heels of the programs partnership renewal, Tom Seddon, chief marketing officer at Extended Stay America, reflected on the partnership, "Unfortunately, cancer touches the lives of millions of our families, friends, associates and guests. Through celebrations like this, we truly experience the effect and need for a program like Keys of Hope. This partnership exemplifies what a corporation and non-profit can accomplish together. For Extended Stay America this is about more than a donation, it is about providing families impacted by cancer peace of mind while they travel away from home to seek treatment. The true value of Keys of Hope is in the people it impacts directly."
"A survivor is defined as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life," said Kristen Solt, managing director of the Hope Lodge Network, American Cancer Society. "For America's 14.5 million cancer survivors, every day is a day of hope. This weekend was the opportunity for the American Cancer Society alongside our partner Extended Stay America to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be beautiful, rewarding and abundant. And that's something to celebrate."
Over the course of two years, more than 6,700 cancer patients and their families have saved nearly $1.2 million in costs associated with traveling for necessary cancer treatments via Keys of Hope. The brands continue to work closely to expand the Keys of Hope program.
Extended Stay America provides the comforts and conveniences of home complete with on-site laundry centers, kitchens in each hotel room for patients to store and cook the foods they enjoy, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels to unwind with favorite shows. In-room free Wi-Fi access allows patients to stay connected with loved ones while away from home, daily Grab and Go Breakfast provides a quick and healthy way to start the day and pet-friendly accommodations allow beloved pets to provide healing comfort.
To join Extended Stay America and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer, visit ExtendedStayAmerica.com or call 800-804-3724. For information about American Cancer Society programs and services, including the lodging program, please visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
About Extended Stay America
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Extended Stay America has 684 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company owns and operates hotels under the core brand Extended Stay America®, which serves the mid-priced extended stay segment and other brands. It is the largest owner/operator of company-branded hotels in North America and employs approximately 10,400 employees in its hotel properties and headquarters.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. during the past two decades, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, visit cancer.org or call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345.
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