"It is especially significant that we enter this partnership during our Year of Public Engagement, where we emphasize the UI's dedication to improving the lives of our neighbors, in Iowa and throughout the U.S.," Boyd said.

"Our community is excited about the opportunity to help cancer patients in Iowa who will be living at the Hope Lodge," stated Tom Cilek, Hope Lodge Campaign Chair in Iowa City.

The proposed Hope Lodge will have three floors and 30 guest rooms and will be located across from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The facility is expected to open to cancer patients by mid-2007, providing non-medical lodging--free of charge--for adult cancer patients when they must travel for treatment.

"The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge will offer Iowans required to travel significant distances for life-saving cancer treatments to do so without the added burden of lodging costs during the often extended periods of treatment," said Gary Streit, president of Shuttleworth and Ingersoll, P.L.C. and chair of the Hope Lodge campaign committee in Cedar Rapids. "Lives will be saved as more people are able to access state-of-the-art treatment for their illness."

Hope Lodge is supported entirely through contributions to the American Cancer Society. Patients, 18 years of age and older, and their loved ones are offered comfortable, secure accommodations in a supportive environment at no cost.

The Hope Lodge will provide:

• Private rooms/adjoining baths
• Laundry facilities
• Daily linen service
• Kitchen facilities
• Cable TV
• Exercise room
• Data link
• Transportation to treatment

For more information about the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge campaign in Iowa, please call Marcia Holley at 1-888-266-2071 ext. 21. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information:

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

American Cancer Society