The Sarah House

The Sarah House is an affordable extended housing option for family members visiting ill patients at area hospitals in cities like Syracuse, NY. It's one of those saintly places I've covered extensively for television news, like Ronald McDonald houses, St. Judes Grizzlie and Target houses in Memphis and charity shelters throughout New York State. These places are built on the backs of personal donations, fundraising and private grants and for many needy families, it's a true blessing. Last night I found out just how much of a blessing they truly are.

With 10 strangers under the same roof, eating at the same table and watching the same tv programs, I shared contemplative thoughts with the worried families of cancer victums. All of whose familes are currently bedridden in University Hospital, including one of my own - my unfortunate but super strong Stepmom. She's a wonderfully brave woman who already spent all last year battling cancer in her lower extremities. Now she has a new virulent form of cancer, lung cancer - a lethal killer if not caught early enough.

It's a terrible fate and I'm feeling deep sorrow for my otherwise healthy young vibrant relative. Thankgod places like the Sarah House make it a little easier but like last year the road to recovery is long and winding and nobody knows that better than my Dad. He's a champion for staying steadfast to her needs...if more chemo, radiotherapy and surgeries are needed, he's right there by her side.

I'm going to ask the doctor if I can keep her tumor (after the operation) in a glass jar and shock everyone into quiting smoking. That shoud stop those hundreds of young kids I see puffing away at the entrance to the local mall or theater or coffee house, right?