Today on Second House on the Right, we’re honored to share a story that is all too close to many hearts. Last week, we began welcoming cancer patients to a new community that provides housing and financial assistance in Gilbert, AZ. This program, created by the Banner Health Foundation, is called “Home Away from Home,” and creates a safe and comfortable space for patients to heal while receiving care at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Welcoming Cecilia and Gissel, the First Patients Coming Home
Cecilia and her daughter Gissel were the first patients welcomed last Friday. Cecilia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and Gissel is her bone marrow donor. They are both in the post-surgical monitoring stage, which requires them to be within 30 miles of the hospital.
And, we have fantastic news to share, Cecilia learned she was in remission the day before moving into her new home!
AZ Family, ABC 15, Fox 10, 12News, and AZ Central were able to capture their move-in experience. Press ‘play’ to take a look at this heartfelt moment.
A Few Words from Sheryl Palmer, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Morrison
“As a homebuilder, there’s no greater gift we could give than to build a community of homes that will eliminate undue stressors like hotel costs alongside rent or mortgage payments, and allow patients to simply heal. It was deeply important to us that what we were building was a true community—a place for patients to share experiences and support one another. It will be something quite unique and we hope incredibly healing.”
A Sweet Surprise
Our partners, Clea and Joanna of The Home Edit, showed up to surprise Cecilia and Giselle with a beautifully organized space.
How These Homes Help Patients
A short hotel stay is often not enough for patients at Banner MD Anderson. The cost of long-term lodging, especially for those who need weeks or months of care, can be incredibly overwhelming. Affording a place to stay can mean the difference between receiving care or not.
Home Away from Home Was Born
The Banner Health Foundation’s program covers the cost of local stays at partner hotels for qualifying patients. It was first set up for patients who needed stem-cell transplants, as they needed to be within 30 minutes of the hospital for at least 30 days. They would not qualify for the procedure if they could not meet this window. From this need, Home Away from Home was born.
The Program Grows
Now, the program assists qualifying patients with all types of cancer. Without this help, patients spend an average of $5,500 on hotel stays, even with discounted rates. Expensive treatments, travel arrangements, and taking time off work, often with reduced pay, can take a heavy financial toll on those already waging the fight of their lives. One thing is certain – affordable housing for these patients and their families is incredibly critical.
About the Homes
Mirrored after our build-to-rent brand, Yardly, these homes are 1,000 square feet, fully furnished, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a laundry room, a living room, and a private backyard.
What’s Next for Home Away from Home?
The eight homes will provide lodging for approximately 80 patients per year and the Home Away from Home endowment will support maintenance, repairs, utilities and community upkeep. Plus, additional space is available within the community to support even more patients— stay tuned for future developments.
A Project to Believe In
We can’t quite put into words what this project means to all of us at Taylor Morrison. To give patients a safe and comfortable space to heal has been an amazing journey, and we are eager to continue putting good out into the world. We hope this small contribution helps cancer patients and their families heal for years to come. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading.
