A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF)

In 2021 my husband David was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Chordoma was a strange and terrifying word for us. We did a ton of research and the best Dr to take care of him was at MDANDERSON in Houston. We went through all the processes to find a place to stay, being on a fixed income made things difficult. We got a call from a wonderful person named Tiffany, she had called to let us know that we could stay at ASCF. What a godsend. She helped us with everything. This was all at the beginning of Covid, and there were so many restrictions with the hospital. Scariest thing ever was to drop my husband off at the door the day of surgery not knowing if it was the last time we would see each other. Tiffany helped give me a sense of calm. Such a beautiful person. We got through the worst part that year. We need to return each year to have scans etc and meet with the Drs on potential recurrences. The next year, we got to stay as well. Hubby is in a wheelchair now and Fernando the maintenance master, built a ramp in a matter of minutes for him. To say we’re grateful for it all is an understatement. Fast forward to 2024. Something has seriously changed with ASCF. Went through the procedure of app and background check, never got a confirmation that it was received. Tried to call several times, no answer. Tried to text, no response. Finally tried to call again and got a person on the phone. She was nasty and not very personable. Her comment was “ fill out the app and background, if you don’t hear from us the week before arrival then we cannot accommodate you, you should probably have made other arrangements. You should not be calling, just fill out the app “ I was so stunned, I told her, I just wanted to know if you got the app. Never heard a word back. So I did call and got someone who said no we cannot accommodate you. Had to get hotel for the stay. We decided to drive by and see if anyone was there just to say hello and if anything has changed by chance. Not a person anywhere. There was no staff, no one in the office, and no families. We saw a gentleman he said he was leaving and that there was no one there at all. We came back every single day that week, just to see, not a soul. The very last day we did come by and there was one family coming in. That was 6 days with an empty ASCF. I cannot even begin to say what that young man told me about getting in. I told him thank you and we left. It seems to me that this place has become a thing of the past. Seeing all the dress up galas and fund raisers, etc seems to be just for status. Our picture is the very first thing you see when you go to the web site and I did appreciate all they did for us in the beginning, but I can say that several families have contacted me with the same stories. We seem to be the left behind return families. We would love for our faces to be removed as advertisement since we may never be invited to stay again since this review. Sad but probably true.

A Shelter for Cancer Families has been an essential bridge for life-saving treatment at MD Anderson. From my initial contact with Tiffany Criswell, ACSF's Housing Manager, I have been met with compassion, a sense of dignity and privacy, and a willingness to offer low-barrier temporary housing while attending cancer treatment in the Houston area.

The property is situated in a quiet neighborhood about four miles from the Texas Medical Center. From the naked eye, it looks like a standard smaller apartment complex. Upon a closer look, one might notice families passing like trains in the night to various medical appointments.

Each family/individual arrives “home” to a fully furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment where they can recover and normalize their stay while in Houston. Each apartment has a fully functional kitchen; a washer and dryer, WiFi for those who are able to attend work or school remotely, and air conditioning for hotter days/nights. It is truly an opportunity for patients and their families to have a dignified “home away from home.”

Although it appears most of my fellow families have arrived with either car rentals or their personal vehicles, MD Anderson and other surrounding facilities are still very accessible by public transportation. The local grocery stores of Randall’s and H-E-B are also within reach either by foot or by public transportation.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a participant of this program. As a fellow Social Worker in another city, I value programs that raise their participants up in a compassionate; low-barrier, and dignified way. ASCF enables participants to receive assistance while allowing us to exhibit our own resilience to fight the cancer that has disrupted our lives. I am very much looking forward to stabilizing my health as well as my finances; ASCF will be an agency that is on my radar for years to come for responsible participant-centered donations. I will be honored to invest in ACSF and the families that seek shelter within their welcoming walls.

Thank you, ASCF! Thank you, Tiffany, Missy, Francisco and all those working behind the scenes to offer us a welcoming place to heal!

A Shelter for Cancer Families is far more than a much needed home, it is a place to heal and find hope and be blessed by the amazing people here. From a warm welcome upon arrival by the office through an amazing stay (with special dinners, Apt decorations, holiday door hangers, flowers, cards, and cheerful painted rocks in the landscaping!) we felt so cared for. This is such an Amazing place, and so needed for those of us traveling here. Without it, we couldn't afford to stay for extended treatment. We are so grateful for Everyone here and for All who contribute to make this possible. It is truly "home" when needed most, we are forever grateful. Thank you, you'll always have a special place in our hearts!

What a blessing it was to find a place to stay in Houston while my 87 year old husband was undergoing radiation for 3 weeks. ASCF answered all our prayers with not only their kindness but a clean, quiet, conveniently located home away from home. We could easily walk to a nice grocery store, eating places or just around the neighborhood with no concerns about safety. We could never say thank you enoug!!

We applied in May for a July stay. We got more than a week’s notice that there was an apartment available for my surgery and recovery. This is in a very convenient and safe location. The staff is warm and kind. The apartment looks newly refurbished and is very comfortable. We loved the king size bed. It allowed both of us room during my recovery with room for all my pillows. I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful place. While hopefully we never need it again I have the info handy. I was prepared to have to do stairs after surgery, but they even had a downstairs apartment. I was happy to leave early and give someone else the opportunity to stay here. Definitely going to be on my charitable giving list.

How do you thank angels? When I began my journey one of my earliest concerns was how my family was going to afford all of the expenses associated with treatment. I was the only one working full time in a house of six including my two octogenarian in-laws that lived with us. My father told me not to worry about it, to have faith and to focus on getting better.

I soon learned that my insurance had additional benefits for transplant patients and I was then able to get many of my expenses covered as I traveled to and from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Fast forward a year later and just when I thought I was about to have my transplant UVA said that I was not healthy enough for the procedure. I was shocked at first but then honestly depressed. Then we found MD Anderson and it gave me hope again.

My first trip to Houston for evaluation cost me over $2000 and I was only here for six days. None of this was covered by my insurance as my case was, and still is, with UVA. Once again I started to worry about how we could afford treatment. We researched housing using resources provided by MD Anderson. We applied to ASCF for what we thought would be a short four day stay for some follow up appointments and you had availability!

We were excited and grateful. We arrived and the place was absolutely perfect. It's a short drive to the hospital and stores are in walking distance just as described.

I had my first appointment and my transplant doctor said that I still wasn't ready for the procedure but that was expected. What wasn't expected was when my blood work came back that my numbers would be elevated and that my doctor wanted to admit me into the hospital. My four day stay was going to turn into a 10 day admittance followed by another 3-4 weeks of recovery. My wife was upset and worried and promptly made arrangements to come down.

This is truly where I saw how angels of ACSF earn their wings. First we asked if I could stay three extra days because I was being admitted the next week and you found availability. Next I was told that my wife could stay in the apartment while she was here and I was in the hospital. Then my angels found space for me when I was to be discharged but there would be about a 9 day gap between when I would leave the hospital and when I could come back here. Finally we received another email saying that you had availabilty from the time I would be discharged to the time I was going home.

As I am writing this I still find it hard to express my full appreciation and gratitude for all you have done for me and my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you. If there is anything I can ever do to return even the slightest of blessings that you have given me please don't hesitate to ask.

With All Sincerity,
The Younger Family

We are from Florida. We were in the midst of Covid-19, with my husband having a diagnosis of an extremely rare Sacral Chordoma, anxiety was at a record high. We were given information about a specialty Dr and his team, in Houston TX. We knew no one and had to navigate new surroundings. The nurse navigator at MDANDERSON, gave us information for places to stay. When I contacted ASCF, it was an instant calming. It was the soothing voice on the other end of the line, Tiffany, guiding us through the procedures. She stayed on the phone while things were filled out, as well. When we got here, it was magic. The warm and friendly smiling faces as we were welcomed into this family will always stay with us. Fully furnished, beautiful, and more than anything a safe space to just be, if that’s what you wanted. Safe and gorgeous neighborhoods to walk in, and the pool is wonderful to relax and unwind. We met some beautiful people who all share a cancer journey of their own, which helps to just talk sometimes. We had a return trip, and were welcomed once again, with smiling faces and helpful wonderful people. Francisco was amazing and built a ramp for my husbands wheelchair in less that 10 minutes. Wow. Such a beautiful organization, full of love and caring.

This is such a wonderful organization not only for the cancer victim but for the family.

they are so caring and full of love the lord sent us there

My mother was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with lymphoma this past spring. We were advised to go to MD Anderson for treatment because our local hospital couldn't treat her in this advanced stage. With God's grace and direction, my wife Cathy found ASCF online and the rest is history. ASCF was a God send and a help in my mother's desperate time of need. My mom is pulling through with each treatment on this cancer journey. This past year we have visited Houston every month, and ASCF has been there for us each time. I know the road to recovery may be long but I know folks at ASCF will be there for us. I like to think of ASCF as an oasis in the desert, so refreshing and peaceful after each day of chemo. Thank you and may God continue to bless this incredible organization! J. Brian Hill

We needed a safe and clean place in Houston while my wife continued her cancer treatment at Houston Methodist. We were so fortunate to find this amazing foundation that provided housing for out of town cancer patients. The entire staff was an absolute blessing. Everyone was friendly and compassionate. We honestly don’t know how we could have managed our stay and stress levels without ASCF. Thank you sooo much!!

If I was asked to summarize A Shelter for Cancer Families, I would have to take creative inspiration from one historic torch bearing Iron Lady:

Give me your tired, your hurt, and the many families who yearn to breath and heal. Let them feel safe and Sheltered for here they are always welcome.
_________
Our introduction to ASCF came a year and half ago when our daughter’s battle with MDS brought us to Houston. As disease progressed, it became clear our return to the East coast was not happening any time soon. With that realization came panic on how to afford a lengthy stay near MDAndersen. To minimize expenses, my husband left to stay with our son and his family in Austin while I continued caring for our daughter in Houston. My daughter and I bounced between motels, AirB&Bs and ExtendedStays, etc. Although we stayed when special rates were offered, it was nevertheless financially crushing and physically/emotionally exhausting.
As options were dwindling and vanishing, ASCF reached out and told us they had a vacancy! We were over joyed with relief. My husband returned and the three of us were off on the yellow brick road to ASCF.

With hospitality and graciousness, Monica and Tiffiny welcomed us into the Shelter family. More accurately, I should say ‘adopted.’ Really. No exaggeration. With compassion and understanding ASCF went out of their way to help us unite as a family. Our son, nephew, daughter, with husband, were all able to come and be with us during difficult periods.

Even the housing reflects warmth. Small, delightfully painted stones are placed on the grounds and doors. Rooms are wonderfully furnished with walls adorned by colorful uplifting pictures drawn by children. Kitchens and bathrooms are stocked with all necessary household essentials. Even towels and bedding are exceptionally soft. A very comforting aspect for those who are ill and frail like our daughter.

I often refer to the Team as Superheroes because when Covid began to surface, ASCF was quick to swoop into action and provide little bags with lovely handmade masks and face shields to help everyone stay safe. Our reaction was WoW! I am grateful to say that it was just the first of many WoWs.

During holidays, or personal occasions like birthdays, Team ASCF would come by with smiles, greetings and memorable gift baskets loaded with goodies. Each family would receive over a dozen lovely handmade cards done by local elementary kids. Through out the year, families would wake up to find beautiful handmade holiday or theme oriented wreaths hung on their doors. During Valentines, in addition to the above, hearts with endearing messages would be placed at windows. WoW, right?!
Joking aside, I have actually broken down and cried several times from overwhelming relief and gratitude to ASCF. Words cannot relay the immense importance of the Sheltering they provide. Without a doubt, ASCF is much more than housing. We are eternally grateful to Missy, Monica, Madelon, Tiffiny, Shellyn, and all the unseen volunteers. May the future allow us the ability to support ASCF as they have supported cancer families. AA

ASCF's program in Houson significantly reduced my anxiety surrounding how to access quality cancer care, not available in New Mexico.
Realizing that my cancer had progressed and the need for treatment created a tornado of confusion. The thoughts of treatment details, location of care, housing and financial details overwhelmed me. In time clarity emerged on the treatment plan. The task of finding housing on a retired teachers pension felt impossible.
Then, one day, Tiffany Criswell from ASCF called to tell me that my application had been accepted. When she reviewed the generosity of the program, I was overwhelmed. This action, essentially the Mission of ASCF, immediately brought clarity as to how my wife and I could navigate the course of my treatment in Houston. In fact, it was the piece of the puzzle that allowed me to proceed with my cancer treatment plan in Houston. Without the ASCF program, I would have likely been forced to seek substandard care elsewhere due to my financial status.
When we arrived we found all the housing details had been taken care of by ASCF staff. Over the time of our visit, which included shifts in my treatment schedule, an ice storm and electrical blackout we always felt safe and supported. Tiffany was always there to help.
Thank you all for the lovely apartment, great neighborhood and easy access to all my treatment locations. The generosity of ASCF made my cancer treatment achievable.
The kindness of the ASCF organization and staff will forever be appreciated. The Mission of ASCF and its staff saved me.
Many blessings to each of you,
Bob and Kathleen Walsh and the entire Walsh family

After being diagnosed at age 57 with a very aggressive form of metastatic prostate cancer, my husband Tom sought treatment at MD Anderson. Though some (but not all) of the treatment regimes could be implemented at home in Fort Worth and some in Dallas by his local teams of doctors, we have made many trips to Houston, beginning in January of 2019. Despite trying to remain hopeful and Tom being brave with facing everything from biopsies to bone marrow aspirations to surgery and procedures to radiation courses to chemotherapy cycles to a clinical trial of immunotherapy to hormone therapy, the tangible and intangible costs of trying to slow the progression of this terrible disease have been mounting and adding so many extra layers of stress. We had just about reached our “breaking point” when Tom recently told me that we were going to have to find a way to more affordably stay in Houston than the hotel route we had been using. It was nothing short of a miraculous answer to prayer that within hours of that difficult discussion, a friend in Fort Worth contacted me about A Shelter for Cancer Families after having heard about it from a friend of hers in the Houston area. Tom and I immediately explored the helpful website and initiated the process of requesting housing for our first stay of 3 days and 2 nights. The housing manager, Tiffany, was so helpful with talking us through the process through phone calls, texting, emails, and in person. Now Tom is again staying at ASCF for several weeks of radiation at MDA. (I stayed home this time with our dog with the assurance that Tom would be comfortably nestled in his sanctuary of an apartment, where he is able to work remotely following each early weekday morning radiation session.) Blessings and many thanks to Missy Amschwand and her late husband, Tom, for their vision in founding this non-profit that has benefitted so many families facing this frightening cancer journey. Heartfelt thanks to the housing manager, Tiffany, for your incredible hospitality and help, and thank you so much to all the staff members and volunteers who have blessed my husband and me with the gift of this home away from home, free of charge. The most recent blessing received came in the form of a “Clean Up Cancer” basket containing various helpful supplies for Tom’s stay. What a thoughtful gift compiled by a Girl Scout Brownie Troop!

With great appreciation,

Jennifer (and Tom) Frey

I was excited to give a review for ASCF until I began this post. I quickly realized there is NO WAY I can say enough to adequately describe the BLESSING of ASCF to our family.
*Tiffany is AMAZING!! She has a servant's heart, and went above and beyond to make our experience at ASCF wonderful.
*ASCF is in a safe, convenient neighborhood. I was alone in the apartment for several weeks while my husband was in the hospital. I NEVER felt apprehensive in (or around) the apartment.
*Our apartment had EVERYTHING we needed during our stay.
*A grocery store, restaurants, a post office, a drug store, etc. are walking distance from the apartment, and MD Anderson is within 5 miles.
*Volunteers that serve ASCF treated us to a "Nothing Bundt Cake" cake, chocolates, and precious cards for Valentines Day.
*A new wreath was placed on our door each month. I have purchased materials to make a similar Valentines wreath for my door at home. I will remember Houston each February!
~~In uncertain medical times, as well as financial concerns (travel, medical costs, etc.), and being far away from family and friends for an extended period of time, ASCF was a gift from GOD. As I said earlier, there is NO WAY I can do ASCF justice!
THANK YOU for the wonderful gift of shelter!

We live in Mississippi, and my wife and I believe that God sent to us Ms. Tiffany and A Shelter for Cancer families. In the year 2020, we lost family and close friends to Covid-19. In the same year, we found out that she had cancer, and we had to go to Houston for treatments. My wife and I had become overwhelmed by everything that was happening. Meeting Ms. Tiffany from ASCF, we were given a safe and comfortable apartment to live in while obtaining treatment, and we were given dinner for Thanksgiving; and we were given gifts for Christmas. Ms. Tiffany has a real caring spirit, and she treated us like we were family. Thank you ASCF and Ms. Tiffany. We love you all.

Mr. and Mrs. Purvines

Being away from home is difficult. Being away from home when you have Cancer can be devastating. When my son and daughter both were diagnosed with cancer within two weeks of each other, my wife and I were shocked - and scared. We needed to visit hospitals in Houston and were hoping we could get some answers and help. We set up the visits to the hospitals, but where would we stay? How much money would we need for housing? How could we limit exposure to Covid? Houston was one of the worst places in the world for Covid cases. Cancer and its treatment was stressful enough emotionally and financially and we needed help. And we found help! A Shelter for Cancer Families was there for us. Knowing that we had two children with cancer, they provided two one-bedroom apartments next to each other, so our kids could rest as much as possible. And they took care of all our needs in a gracious, caring, and loving way. The location of the apartments and the accommodations and amenities they have provided make it all easy. But what it makes it work is how they communicate with you, offer to be there for you, and are there for you whenever you call. Since our first week-long visit to Houston for both children, we have had to visit again for a week and now are waiting for testing results before coming again for a long stay that will be needed for our son’s stem cell transplantation. Through all of these changes and the ups and downs that go with navigating your children’s illnesses with hospitals and insurance companies, A Shelter for Cancer Families has had our backs the whole time. The fight against cancer needs doctors and hospitals and medicine, for sure. But it also needs love and care from people around you. A Shelter for Cancer Families provides that personal love and care that is so important in the healing of mind, body, and spirit. We are so grateful to everyone at A Shelter for Cancer Families as it has made our battle with our children’s illnesses so much easier to fight!

With love and gratitude,

Matthew Pearson and Parvathy Anantnarayan

I am not from Houston, I live in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and have been coming to Houston since 2018 for cancer treatment and checkups. Last January, 2020 I received news that I had a small recurrence and needed to stay for a while. For some, the second time around, in anything, might be easier because you know what to expect, but when it comes to cancer, this is definitely not the case. The second time around for me was scarier, made me more anxious, angry and I felt more alone than ever. And to make it more interesting, add a the covid-19 pandemic and you have a recipe for a mental breakdown!

That's where A Shelter for Cancer Families comes in. Their motto "more than housing" is a tremendous understatement. This foundation, their volunteers and the incredible ladies that lead it provided me with the love, compassion, understanding, time and care I much needed. Yes, they provide housing, a beautiful, clean, secure, comfortable apartment, close to supermarkets and pharmacies, but they provide so much more. They sent me flower for my birthday, presents for Valentine's Day and Fathers Day, Taco Tuesdays, volunteer doggie cuddles and so much more. You can always feel the love from these ladies, even during social distancing; with their masks, they smile with their eyes, they hug you from afar and even six feet apart, you feel so close to them you consider them your family.

For me, A Shelter for Cancer Families was an important part of my treatment and recovery, I am alive today greatly because of this foundation. I will be forever grateful and will work tirelessly to give back to them and pay it forward in any way I can. I love you ASCF!

Our time with ASCF was the most amazing stress free time that we had in a long time. Even among the pandemic and going through cancer treatments I felt just as comfortable as I would have in my own home. Tiffany our ASCF contact was the sweetest person ever. The site in Houston was beautiful with a pool and fully furnished apartment. It was a lovely community where you can leave your door unlocked and go out for walks at night. ASCF definitely was a home away from home and I am deeply grateful for all the help. I would highly recommend ASCF to any family in need of shelter during their cancer experience. - Cruz Family

A Shelter for Cancer Families has truly been a blessing to us and to many others. My husband and I are so fortunate to of been able to experience this wonderful place. They make you feel at home, they go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. They are truly genuine people that care. It was our home away from home and made us and our children feel safe and at home. Even though everyone's cancer journey is different, they understand, and they give you comfort that you are not alone in this, they try to help any way they can. They truly are so wonderful!!! I cannot find to words to express how much this place and these people mean so much to us. They will always hold a place in our hearts.
A 5 star rating is nowhere near enough...if you had a million star rating that still would not be enough. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!

I feel so fortunate to have become a part of the ASCF family. They are so warm and welcoming and have eased this difficult journey . Monica is amazing and while I was a long way from home, she made me feel like family. Thank you so much for everything! Henri Zeitlin

My son had been battling cancer for a year. He was diagnosed a week after his 5th birthday. He had a small bday party but he wasn't feeling well and we didn't know why. He didn't enjoy it and then the next week I found out why. My son was diagnosed with leukemia and had a very hard year. A friend of mine told me about a few ladies he knew and that I needed to contact them. Well it turned out it was called a shelter for cancer families. They helped us for Christmas and I had no idea they were because I put in an application to celebrate something special and we chose to do his 6th birthday. They do celebrations and have apartments to stay at if you need a place in between. They threw my son the best Batman birthday a kid could have. They also have helped my best friend whose daughter has cancer too. She is from out of state and they provide shelter for them. My family is so thankful for all the help they have provided all the way around. They are some beautiful people who run this!!!

When we got the call from MD Anderson to come for surgery,
we had no housing lined up! The organization which housed us in the past had closed due to the Corona Virus! We thought that we would need to stay in a motel for the month. (This is a hardship when on a fixed income!) Then, we got a call from ASFCF. What a blessing!

Such a wonderful home! It is located near the medical center and shopping. No need to fight the traffic!! The apartment is spacious & clean; furnished with everything you need for a restful stay. It is so nice to have a washer and dryer in the apartment so there is no lugging laundry to a designated room. Much thought went into furnishing the kitchen and whole apartment.

Such a wonderful home to recover from surgery!! The staff is there to help with anything that is needed.

Thank you so very much!!

New Mexico residents

As a doctor who specializes in palliative care for pediatric cancer patients, A Shelter for Cancer Families is indispensable for many of the families I work with. There are innumerable stressors that families face when their child is diagnosed and is receiving treatment for cancer. The sense of security that comes with knowing they will have a "home away from home" makes an incredibly difficult and challenging situation just a bit easier. A Shelter for Cancer Families is true gift, and I cannot say enough good things about their organization. Top-notch, professional, compassionate.

I can not say enough about the mission, drive, and importance of ASCF. Being a two-time cancer survivor myself, I know first hand the trials and tribulations of navagating a diagnosis & treatment. I am blessed to live less than 5 miles from MD Anderson and am heartbroken when I hear of the extra burden families in treatment endure by being removed from their homes and communities. The overwhelming expense of hotels and the daunting experience of navigating the whole process from diagnosis to treatment on your own. The expense of a diagnosis can be financially devastating and I am proud that so many families have been served by ASCF's generosity. The Navigator Program is essential to patients upon diagnosis and treatment and helps ease the overwhelming process of an illness by providing a support person to help navigate the patient and their family through doctor visits and treatment plans. ASCF provides tremendous support in all of those areas allowing the patient and their families to catch their breath and focus on health & healing. I am honored and proud to be a part of ASCF and the amazing people who have founded it and run it makes me certain that it will continue to support those in need and provide a ray of light and hope to a diagnosis & struggle.

I suffered a relapse of my Ewing's sarcoma in May of 2019 after being cancer free for 13 years. Upon receiving the devastating news, I immediately contacted Missy from A Shelter for Cancer Families to seek many forms of guided help. As expected, I was in shock with the news and had no idea what I would need as I started the cancer journey all over again. She quickly came up to the hospital to serve as a navigator for my family. She and the ASCF team anticipated the greatest areas of need for our family and diligently created a plan of action to assist us. ASCF came up with #TeamNowell campaign which helped raise funds from the community to fulfill needs such as housekeeping, child care, grocery shopping, and lawn care. ASCF has gone over and beyond our expectations and has greatly lessen the financial and emotional burden that cancer causes. They have not only helped me as an individual by providing navigation services but also as a family with their assistance in grocery shopping and meal planning for our entire household. We are so grateful for their help and support during this season of life.

After my sarcoma diagnosis, I was unsure what to do. My daughter contacted Missy at ASCF. Missy counseled me and made arrangements for me to see an oncologist at MD Anderson. She attended our first appointment, helped us navigate MDA, and took notes. Since that time, she had been an encourager. I feel God placed her in our life to help us deal with our difficult situation.

ASCF has been an absolute GODSEND for our family!!
My wife was diagnosed with lymphoma in August of 18 which shook our world!!
We were running through $1000 a week on hotels as we were told she would need to be at MD Anderson while going through treatment.

Long story short, ASCF made the IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE!! I was able to care for my wife while running our business remotely....We couldn’t have done it without them!!

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!! You Guy’s are doing Gods work and have forever changed our lives! You took us in and celebrated every milestone with us! We Love All of you and can only hope we are in the position to help in the future!! We are forever grateful!!

Thank You,

John Austin & Elizabeth Tatum

A Shelter for Cancer Families is the most amazing organization. We live in California and came to Houston so that my sister could receive treatment in a clinical trial. The apartment provided to us is amazing, and has everything we need for my sister's comfort. We feel so blessed to be here as living out of suitcases and going from hotel to hotel was very taxing. In addition to this beautiful home, we were visited by volunteers at Easter and received special treats. On Easter Sunday (my sister's 70th birthday) we got another visit from very caring volunteers with a birthday cake and presents!
To everyone involved in this organization, we send you our love and heartfelt thanks for giving us safe shelter!
Lesley Wilson and Natalya Goncharova

A Shelter for Cancer Families is a one-of-a kind foundation. As a physician in the Texas Medical Center, I have referred patients who are traveling from out-of-state to receive treatment for their cancers. It is a stressful time for them. ASCF offers a families a home away from home- a "shelter"- that does not look or feel like another hospital or hotel room. Jen and Missy and the staff are extremely personable, helpful, and will go out of their way to accommodate our patients. I can't say enough good things about the services that ASCF provides to guide and support our cancer families. Their model of care is unique and effective. Kudos to ASCF!

In the course of just 2 days our lives were turned upside down when my 4 year old grandson, Thomas, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. The treatment plan included photon radiation and chemo. My daughter and son-in-law did some in-depth research and discovered the benefits of Proton therapy. So, they decided to leave Colorado and head to Houston for an eight-week regiment of Proton therapy. What a confusing time! It was like stepping off a cliff and hoping that you'd learn to fly asap.

Of course, finding housing in Houston was an immediate need and I began to contact apartment complexes and charity organizations. We were incredibly grateful and relieved when Jen responded within just a few hours and we ended up moving into our apartment at the Equinox the next day! We were absolutely stunned when we walked in the door... the apartment was beautiful and so much more than we could have ever imagined. It is an amazingly warm and therapeutic space and we immediately felt at home. The Shelter for Cancer Families organization had thought of everything from "starter food" to games to books to artwork and more. On February 14 after an especially grueling day at the hospitals, we arrived home to a Valentine's day celebration! The apartment was decorated for the holiday and there were cards from area children, flowers, plates/napkins, and the most gorgeous cake that we had ever seen! The whole experience left us in tears.

Tomorrow is Thomas's final Proton Treatment that will include the ceremonial ringing-of-the-Gong, which is a lovely tradition at the Proton Center. And guess who is going to be there to help us celebrate?? yep, Jen and a crew of her volunteers! What an incredibly thoughtful way to honor Thomas!

In a couple of days we will begin the long journe back to Colorado. And, we will be leaving Houston a little bit wiser and stronger for what is still to come. We can't thank Jen and the Shelter for Cancer Families enough for caring for us during this stressful time. They absolutely have helped to give us the wings that we'll need for the next part of our journey. Thank you from the bottom of hearts!!

Just a few words of thanks to you (Jen Berko) and A Shelter for Cancer Families for the beautiful and upscale apartment you provided for us during our crucial time of need. It is absolutely beautiful, much more than we imagined or expected!
The living area is spacious and comfortable. We leave the blinds open all day just to look over the beautiful pool. Reminds me of a resort hotel! Hopefully, we’ll get to use it in April. I’m enjoying the convenient office area fitted for me. And, although I never leave home without my Holy Bible and inspirational books, I find there is a great selection of encouraging literature right at the tip of my hands! Albert takes his “blanket” to hospital, too. Keeps him warm all day!
It gives me pleasure to look over the great artwork of children who have stayed here before us. The dining room area is enjoyed with every meal. Didn’t want to scratch the table more, so I placed a tablecloth over it. That’s our favorite meeting place.
The kitchen area is absolutely gorgeous! I’m enjoying preparing meals for Albert, as he can’t seem to develop a taste for fast food, yet. And, I’m making him soft foods that he can swallow without too much pain. The fridge is perfect size and I bought enough food for 2 months only. Thanks to the foods left in the fridge and pantry, we don’t have to buy much.
So glad to have a washer and dryer! Although, I didn’t mind, other lodging places have laundry rooms outside of apartment for the use of all residents. We often wait in line to do our laundry. It’s so convenient here! And, thank you for soaps and softeners provided. We usually bring our own linens, towels and sheets, so others can enjoy the ones you provide.
Albert is enjoying the beautiful bedroom. I sleep on the couch wherever we go, so as not to disturb his sleep. I check on him often to make sure he’s still breathing, as that becomes a problem with throat cancer. And, the closets are spacious enough for all our garments and suitcases. We decided not to unpack everything. Our stay is so short wherever we go. So, we’re kind of living out of our suitcases. We’re just glad to have such a great place to stay.
I just started using the fitness center this week. We’d been so busy with treatments and other medical appointments. His last treatment is Saturday. At my age, I can’t do too much exercising. I’ve had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, knee cartilage surgery on both knees and surgery for a broken arm. So, I can’t use treadmill, anymore. But, I can use the stationery bike for about an hour daily. I get to relax from all the stress, exercise to help my joints and muscles, and pray over all the worry, fears and concerns. I feel humbled and so richly blessed! The shower and bathroom are so appealing! Relaxing & enjoyable! Enjoying all the toiletries provided.
Covered parking is great! Albert walks for exercise. But, he takes the complex map to find his way back. It’s an absolute maze! We laugh about it all the time. He carries his phone just in case he gets lost. I do too. Thank you for all your help and support! And, making our stay in Houston a lot more pleasant.
But, your help didn’t start there. It began with our application to ASFC. Your responded with an offer to serve as a navigator for us. Being new to cancer treatment, we didn’t know how navigation worked. Jen, you approached us in a special kind of way that made us trust and feel comfortable with you. It was as though we had just found a great new friend! Your explanation of how navigation works seemed most appropriate for us. First, you wanted to know all about our journey with cancer, the diagnosis, and treatment plan. With this information in hand, you became a participant in our meetings with all our doctors. You listened intently and took great notes. With your expertise, you asked the proper questions. Sometimes, questions that we had overlooked or not even thought of! You were assertive but respectful to the medical staff at all times. I was delighted to hear the fast tapping of your fingers on the keyboard. I knew you were a highly skilled professional! I was overwhelmed with the final transcription and reports you sent me by email. Your notes were literally verbatim! And, I shared them with my daughters who are out of town. Your reports gave them a better understanding of the medical procedures and treatment plan. They couldn’t be thankful enough! I kept them for record keeping. I felt no need for my personal tape recorder, anymore! Your note taking was better! ASFC provides a service that is absolutely necessary to cancer patients and their families. It helps make the whole tragic process just a little easier. I highly recommend navigation to everyone!
God bless every one of you at ASFC for your outstanding work and compassion. I pray that your organization will receive 100-fold blessings, financial support and funding to continue to help other cancer patients and their families. Thank you for a great job! From our hearts to yours with love – Janie & Albert Montez

ASCF has been a Godsend for my husband and me. My husband was diagnosed with myelofibrosis and needed a bone marrow transplant. We live more than 200 miles from Houston. We desperately needed to find a place to stay as his treatment required staying in Houston and close to MDA for more than 4 months. We contacted ASCF through the internet and received a quick response from Jennifer. She is a gift! We could not have found a better organization to help put our minds at ease at such a difficult time. ASCF has helped us in so many ways. Their heartfelt concern, love and assistance has been never ending and we will always be grateful to them. This is truly an outstanding organization! We are blessed to have their help and to be touched by so many loving souls.

I don't even know where to begin . . . .My daughter-in-law of three years was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that had taken us two years to diagnose. We/They headed to MD Anderson as fast as we could. She began treatments every other week so that meant they were commuting 7 hours every other week and staying 3-4 days. My husband and I were able to help with hotel bills, but we could see that we would eventually need to find a place for them to stay on a more permanent basis. That time came much sooner than we thought. At our last visit, they said she would need to be there every week because the additional treatment they were going to administer, would be weekly and would make her very ill.

Through nothing other than answered prayer, friends came forward and told us about this incredible organization. I have volunteered for many organizations and actually worked at two non-profits in my city (Abilene, Texas) but I have never seen anything like this. The staff is so dedicated and so unbelievably kind. Missy and Jen along with a board member from ASCF came to our rescue, took our numerous calls and emails with a welcoming, warmth that I have never experienced anywhere else.

My "kids" are there now. (late 30's) They said the apartment is so nice and truly feels like a home. It is clean but not sterile. We couldn't have asked for more and as I said before, we thank God for these wonderful people everyday.

ASCF gave us that sense of feeling at home; which is essential during difficult times. The apartment was clean, comfortable and the welcome bag was such a thoughtful gift.
We unexpectedly had to stay longer than anticipated, and ASCF (specifically Jen) was so amazing in working it out for us to stay longer. Her kindness and understanding meant a lot to us. Traveling to Houston had a significant financial impact on our family, so being able to not worry about housing was a HUGE relief! Thank you ASCF for making our difficult stay easier.

A Shelter for Cancer Families is one of a kind. No other foundation offers complimentary housing, complimentary navigation (note taking at doctor appointments), and complimentary celebrations for cancer families. I was first drawn into the foundation as a volunteer and later as the manager of cancer families and media relations.
I began volunteering for ASCF on a regular basis when I saw that this foundation provided complimentary housing in the Texas Medical Center. My mother-in-law battled cancer and refused to leave her home in Long Island, New York to travel to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The trip was just too much for her while she was sick. It was devastating to our family. When she passed away our family was left with "what if's". If a foundation like ASCF had provided complimentary housing to our family, who knows what kind of treatment she would have had access to. In her honor I serve A Shelter for Cancer Families.
After volunteering for ASCF for several years, I was asked to join the foundation full time. I truly believe I was meant for this service. Every single day I honor my mother-in-law by helping cancer families; not just patients. If my mother-in-law had the services we provide she would have had a place to stay with her family, access to the very best care, loving volunteers to celebrate the holidays with her, a navigator to take notes so that she could easily share her treatment journey with her family, and most of all she would have had tangible and meaningful support during her darkest times. Every person deserves dignity and support while battling cancer. A Shelter for Cancer Families provides just that. I am proud to serve each and every day through A Shelter for Cancer Families and I highly recommend this foundation.

Jennifer Berko
A Shelter for Cancer Families
Manager of Cancer Families & Media Relations

The ASCF apartment is beautiful, along with the amenities in and out of the apartment. Everything you would need to live comfortably is provided. The swimming pool/jacuzzi/lounge/ bbq area was awesome!! The gym is open 24hrs along with the rec Center with pool table, TVs, sitting area and free coffee/tea.

This non profit organization blesses families with these apartments and the families should maintain it better. In my apartment the sofas were so dirty with food and drink stains, as if they just wiped their hands on them, I couldn’t even sit on them. The dining room chairs cushions were just as bad , if not worse. Underneath the sofas and bed there was trash like it was never swept. These are messes made by the families NOT by ASCF.

Families when you are given a gift, you cherish, appreciate and take care of it, so others can do the same. I give ASCF 5 stars cause I could see the love behind their gift inspite of the irresponsibility of some families. Thank you ASCF for your gracious gift.

A Shelter for Cancer Families was truly a blessing for my situation. I am very fortunate in the sense that my cancer has left me capable of taking care of myself. I don’t have the constant need for a caregiver to look after me and help me with my daily activities. Unfortunately, most of the housing available for cancer patients requires you to have a caregiver with you 24/7 in order to stay at their facilities. As I began going down the list of options on Joe’s List, my options were quickly reduced from many to very few.
I applied to the few organizations that would allow me to, but unfortunately no one had space and I was placed on waiting lists for those few groups. I would be driving nearly 1,600 miles to Houston and spending over two months away from home and I still didn’t have housing secured for my stay during treatment.
I managed to get a reduced cost hotel room through the American Cancer Society, but I only had a room on a weekly basis and had the possibility that I would have to change hotels each week. My treatments at the MD Anderson Proton Center were going to take 8 weeks, and I knew changing hotels was going to get tiring soon. They were also not able to offer the discounted rooms for the entirety of my treatments, leaving me on my own for the remaining few weeks of my schedule.
Fortunately, after two weeks of hotel life, I received a phone call from Melissa at ASCF letting me know that they had an opening and I could get into the apartment immediately. I cannot describe the amount of stress and anxiety that disappeared when I received that phone call. I was no longer burdened with having to pack up my stuff into a rental car to move every weekend. I could buy more than just a week’s worth of groceries at a time without worrying about throwing out everything in the refrigerator at the end of the week. I also had the security of a gated community with limited access to the apartments when I came back from my daily treatments. I would now be only a few minutes away from the Proton Center and no longer had to make the daily commute from Katy, Sugarland, or wherever I would end up before.
This organization takes steps to ensure the patients and their families staying in the ASCF apartments feel at home during their time in Houston. Any issues that came up with the apartment were quickly handled through Jennifer and the building management. The ASCF volunteers sacrifice their own time to help their guests celebrate the major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even though I was by myself in the apartment, I never felt like I was on my own. I never took advantage of the Patient Navigators available to me during my stay, but I appreciated the knowledge that they were there and available if needed.
When I was first diagnosed with my cancer I was completely blindsided and overwhelmed. Knowing that there are organizations such as ASCF helping patients get through such an extremely difficult experience gives me an amazing amount of hope moving forward as a cancer survivor. As I stated before, ASCF was a blessing for me and deserve a great amount of support to continue providing aid to other survivors and their families.

I was so blessed to find ASCF. Not only did they provide us with housing, but the navigator program is amazing. A Shelter for Cancer Families was so thorough and at a VERY hard time in our lives made the process much easier. I especially am thankful for the great questions and note-taking during the appointments because it is an easy way to share information with family. The housing had everything we needed and the support made healing much more hopeful.

ASCF has made it more financially feasible to continue my quarterly screenings by returning to Houston within the very important two year window post treatments, after moving to Illinois. I was miraculously declared well on Friday, May 13th, 2016 after receiving my cancer treatments at MDA in Houston where I was very fortunate to live. I received screenings every three months as part of my follow up plan. When a year and half into those follow up appointments, my husband received a job offer in Illinois after being out of work for 4 years (a blessing in some regard as he could take care of me and our son who was 2 years old at the time that I was diagnosed), I was concerned about where I would receive checkups during that delicate two year post treatment window. Traveling from Illinois was not going to be cheap, and after my husband's unemployment for so long, and my unemployment during treatment, I worried about the financial hits of traveling to Houston, yet also felt uncomfortable not continuing my care with my MDA team in Houston at least for that two year window. Missy Bellinger is truly an angel, and since moving in October 2017, has provided generous assistance to fund my flights to Houston so that I can receive my checkups at MDA and receive peace of mind, which is truly the greatest gift of all. Thank you Missy for all you do! How lucky and blessed you are to have such a clear calling. You create an incredible comforting impact to individuals' and families' lives which get turned upside down. I pray for the day when your job is done because, in large part due to your efforts and other organizations like ASCF, this disease is no more.

A Shelter for Cancer Families has generously offered us housing twice over the past 3 months as we travelled to Houston from New England for my son's osteosarcoma treatments. Many thanks to Missy Bellinger and her teams for their help and hospitality during our travels.

If not for this organization, we would have had to stop coming to M.D. Anderson long ago. Now into her fifth year of the fight and every three months return.

Thanks to Missy and ASCF foundation we were able to have a home away from home. What a wonderful and generous gift to families traveling from out of town to receive care at MD Anderson. By offering a clean and welcoming apartment free of charge is truly a gift when juggling the cost of travel and medical bills. The apartment is fully stocked with kitchenware such as plates, utensils, pots/pans, and paper goods along with a washer and dryer. It is located near the Med Center and has a free shuttle to transport you there. The apartment complex even has a gym, pool, and amazing outdoor seating area. Granted, it snowed when we were there so we could not take advantage of the cool (both literally and figuratively) outdoor amenities, but it was great for a photo opportunity because it is not often one sees snow in TX on pool chairs, umbrella, and palm trees. :) We felt the freezing temps were a positive sign since I had a successful cryoablation procedure where they froze the tumor. :).
I would highly recommend ASCF for anyone traveling to Houston for treatment. Missy and ASCF will take special care of you and your family. Truly a gem!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ~The Rayner Family

Just want to say thank you

Dear ASCF ,

I wish to thank you for the support and help you provided, during our stay at one of your facilities. For both my daughter and myself was a blessing to have such a nice place to stay and rest during my daughters post surgery recuperation time.
All this made our stay easier for me and Natalia, the apartment has a convenient location near the Medical Center. Both Missy and Volunteers are nice and helpful in providing for every need possible. Well organized, clean and includes all that you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I recommend this non-profit organization to anyone who needs a safe, comfortable,convenient and so well kept [lace during your medical needs.
thanks so much ,

Denise and Natalia

This charity has served both me and my sister the both times her and i have needed to travel from northern Ireland to Houston for hospital appointments in mdAnderson cancer centre. Without this charity we both would have been so lost but due to the hard work and support from this charity they have served us both extremely well and we could not have done our journey with out them. Many thanks God bless

Acca was diagnosed with lymph node cancer that was a metasizizedfrom head and neck cancer in Febuary
We came to MD Anderson for treatment
Went thru 3 courses of chemotherapy , 9hrs day plus Dr visits ,clinics ,Labs biopsies
More scans ,Dr visits ,
clinic
Scheduled for radiation Mask .
Starting 34 Days of head and neck Radiation
Loosing weight ,Radiation Burn
Tired ,soft diet to Liquid. Trying to keep from having a Feeding tube
Our stay at the hotels were very expensive also.having to eat out wasn't working due to radiation burn .tryjng to keep from feeding tube ,we can now cook & refrigerate soft & liquid meals
Having an Apartment lifted a major Burden off of us
We are very grateful for the Aschwand foundation & their extradinary work for cancer!
As we were going thru this journey talking to many cancer patients with like problems . We are very grateful for foundations that give to the care of patients themselves. We could not have gone thru this life changing disease without the foundations help
We are forever grateful
Missy was so thoughtful ,caring & efficient .We hope others will give so cancer pts and families may have Hope without being so burdened with expenses.
With Love ,Acca

As a patient travelling from out of state for my cancer treatment, I didn't realize how fast the expenses would start adding up. Unfortunately, these associated travel expenses are not covered by medical insurance and have to be paid out of pocket.
I found the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation through a search on the American Cancer Society website and submitted an application for housing assistance for a treatment visit to Houston. Fortunately for me, there was an apartment that had become available for the duration of my stay. I can't begin to express how wonderful it was for me to have a clean, safe, home-like environment to return to after each day's appointments wrapped up.
For me as a patient, finding Melissa and the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation was truly a blessing. There are definitely angels among us and this group of donors and volunteers are proof of their existence.

What a blessing this organization is. Wonderful people to work with and took so much stress off of us during a very stressful time. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to afford to be out of state for a week or two while you receive the care you need. Having the apartment not only relieved financial stress but had such a sweet home type feel. Thank you for all you do. You are making a difference in people's lives.

And then I got a phone call from the sweetest voice ever that flipped the script on our dreadful journey instantly like it was magic. This well spoken, delightful, compassionate Missy voice on the phone was offering her services with such joy in her tone that I could tell she was truly living her dream connecting herself with sarcoma families just like ours.
Melissa I cannot thank you enough for providing us with a second home during chemo and radiation

ASCF is an example of how foundations can successfully power transformative change in the way research is done and patient care is advanced. My relationship with ASCF started when the foundation decided to fund "Chimera", the first sarcoma relational database at MDACC that enables users to search and identify patients for their research and also to add data back to one common platform that all investigators share. This effort is now being expanded institutionally for enhancing collaborations even outside of MDACC.

We have over 30,000 sarcoma patients on the database. This massive effort would not be possible without the help of ASCF.

I cannot ever say enough positive things about the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation (ASCF). The ASCF has been a tremendous asset for our sarcoma patients who have needed tangible support whether it has been housing, transportation, parking fees, food or social support. Many of our patients travel from out-of-state to receive care at MD Anderson. While they receive the best medical care for their sarcoma, most patients struggle with the financial burden secondary to the costs of medical care, hotels, gas, car rentals, and food, for themselves and in addition to their family members. Amschwand has always been willing to help when we have reached out to them with a patient's needs. For example, Amschwand was able to provide an apartment free of charge for an out-of-state patient during each cycle of chemotherapy. I know of another patient that they quickly moved the flight to an earlier day to expedite radiation therapy and provided them with an apartment for several weeks. The proximity of the apartments to the medical center has allowed the patients to take a shuttle to and from MD Anderson. Not only did this eliminate the financial stress for the patients, it also allowed the patient to have family members stay in the apartment. These scenarios are prime examples to point out that the members of the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation have often visited the patients in the available apartments and accompanied them to their doctors visits so that they have the social support while their families may be back home. In addition to their financial and social support for individual patients, ASCF has provided large amounts of funds to go towards sarcoma research. With the ASCF's help, MD Anderson is able to continue our research to develop better treatment options for patients and to find a cure for sarcoma.

I am a volunteer for this fabulous foundation. I have experienced first hand the benefits and tangible support that patients have received. The apartments offered at no cost provide patients comfort, security, close proximity to MDACC, while lessening financial burdens. This foundation raises much money for research, which is phenomenal. Missy and the various board members and volunteers are very supportive to the patients and many form close bonds with them. It is so nice for the patients to feel like they have family here, as well as in their home towns. I am absolutely so proud to be associated with this first class foundation. I am honored to be part of it.

The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation is an amazing organization that continues to help patients with sarcoma as well as provide much needed funding to advance the field of sarcoma. Recently my clinic contacted the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation to help out one of my patients from out of town who had limited resources. In a blink of an eye, this Foundation was able to provide my patient with an apartment to live in while she received radiation and helped with the cost of changing a plane ticket.

We are most grateful for the housing accommodations during our stay for treatment at MD Anderson. We would recommend this program to other sarcoma patients and family members and we would absolutely participate in the program again. Would love to see more aids like railing in the showers and near the toilet if possible.

Fletcher family
Chandler, Texas

Once again this fabulous foundation has helped us during a difficult time. This was my husband's fourth time battling sarcoma and sixth surgery. We were blessed with an available apartment again. It greatly helps being very close to the hospital, so we can have a short vehicle ride without him being uncomfortable for too long. The apartment staff are always welcoming, and the apartment itself feels like home every time. It's wonderful having some security and comfort during difficult times. Missy and her foundation are truly amazing for all they do!

My two boys and I had the opportunity to receive housing during Christmas time. The volunteers went above and beyond with making us feel special during the holidays. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring support and providing us with a comfortable place to stay.

I met this wonderful foundation's namesake, Tom Amschwand, when we were both starting our cancer treament at MD Anderson. I have had the privilege of watching the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation from it's humble beginnings to now - with all of its bright and stellar accompishments. Tom is no doubt smiling down from above with great pride. xoxo

My 3 month old baby boy was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. After 10 weeks of chemo treatment, his tumor began to grow again. We were given 2 days to be at MD Anderson from Columbia, South Carolina. I contacted Missy and she was able to get us a room on extremely short notice. We ended up staying in Houston for two months. During that two months, Missy with Amschwand had been more than accommodating. Without her, we would have been stuck scrambling to find a place to stay for two months and probably several thousand dollars that we didn't have in rent and utilities. I am extremely thankful for her and it was a pleasure getting to know her. We still maintain contact and she is always asking how my son is doing.

Recently, a gentleman who has been battling osteosarcoma, the most common form of malignant bone cancer, traveled from Utah to participate in a Phase 1 trial using GD2-specific T cell immunotherapy to try to combat his disease, which has been persistent and refractory to standard therapy. As the principal investigator for this trial, I have kept in close communication with both him and his wife. They have expressed to me that they are eternally grateful to the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation for providing housing to them while they were far away from home for several weeks as he received his treatment here. They have told me on many occasions specifically how personable, caring, and attentive Missy was to them while they were in Houston. Having a home away from home which is close to the Texas Medical Center provided comfort to them and made the whole experience much less stressful.

Today is a celebration of the life of our daughter, mother, sister and loved one, Chas. In January 2009, sarcoma cancer claimed the life of our beautiful Chas. It seems like yesterday we were preparing for the arrival of our first grandbaby when we learned that our daughter Chas had cancer...even worse, an aggressive sarcoma cancer. Chas just beginning a life with Jacob, being pregnant and learning of the diagnosis of sarcoma, the family went into high gear seeking treatment options from a team of doctors who not only had experience in treating sarcoma but with very pregnant patients. While doing research, Dusty (Chas' brother) coordinated with Missy from the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation and before we knew it, we were in Houston staying in an apartment provided by the charity at no cost to us. After Chas delivered Caleb, that apartment would be the first place the new family would call home (even if only temporarily). It would be where Caleb would spend his first Thanksgiving and Christmas and his only Thanksgiving and Christmas with his Mom. Those months were difficult but not without blessings. The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation provided us with a home away from home at the most vulnerable time in our lives. Their volunteers brought holiday meals to our family and even gifts for Christmas. We remain forever grateful to the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation for the priceless gift to our family. For this reason, in celebration of what would be Chas' 30th birthday, we are establishing a memorial fund in her name. We ask that each of you consider making a gift to this amazing organization so that they may continue their work of serving families affected by sarcoma cancer and ultimately finding a cure.
Neil, Becky & Dusty Russell

Role - Nurse
Rating - 5 stars
As a nurse in the Texas Medical Center, I can't stress enough the need for temporary housing for patients and families who come to us from all over the world seeking specialized care. Sarcoma patients are no exception. In fact, few sarcoma patients can get the care they need outside of a high volume sarcoma center. This means travel and lodging which is not typically covered by insurance. For years, I have turned to the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation to help patients needing housing assistance. The organization has been a blessing to many of my patients and I know so many others. Thank you to the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation for being such a tremendous resource to those in need.

The Amschwand sarcoma cancer foundation is a wonderful resource for the patients at MD Anderson. Many patients are from another state or another country and have financial difficulty staying in the Houston area for their treatment. One of the many wonderful things about this foundation is that they work to provide patient housing in the Texas Medical Center free of charge to cancer patients. This foundation is run by so many caring and compassionate individuals who dedicate their time, energy and resources to helping touch the lives of as many sarcoma cancer patients as they can.

I don't feel I even have the words to express my appreciation for ASCF. After being diagnosed with an extremely rare tumor in my chest that required the expertise of the professionals in the Sarcoma Center at MD Anderson, The Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation was a Godsend. Anyone dealing with a serious medical diagnosis knows how costly it is, and even more so when a diagnosis requires you to travel for answers. The apartment that I was blessed to be a recipient of did not only take that additional financial burden off of my shoulders, but it was a very comforting place to be. There was inspirational artwork, painted by children, on the walls, the apartment is bright and welcoming, and it is conveniently close to MD Anderson. A nonprofit that helps with this immediate need of the patient is beyond necessary. I wish there were more organizations like this one. It made a very real and meaningful difference for myself and my family. Thank you, ASCF.

A few months ago, I had pain and a lump in my right hip which quickly escalated to the point where I lost ability to walk. In January of 2015, I was diagnosed with a large spindle-cell sarcoma the size of a "small baby" wrapped around my hip joint. I was immediately referred to MD Anderson and within a short time began receiving treatment. My specific treatment plan requires me to be in Houston six days each time I go. My first scheduled session happened to fall the week the Houston Rodeo takes place. It was impossible to find a hotel room anywhere nearby, so I ended up taking treatment in the hospital instead. This obstacle of not finding an available hotel room was a blessing in disguise because our frantic search led us to discover the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation.

My next two rounds of treatment I was able to stay at an apartment located very close to the medical center, provided by the ASCF. The apartments feel like home, fully furnished with even some canned goods in the pantry. Any time someone undergoes a medical crisis such as what I found myself in, there are many extra expenses that pop up everywhere that can strain your finances-- and even with the medical discount rate, hotel bills can be very costly. What a huge, huge blessing to be able to stay at a nice, comfortable place, so nearby the med center and free of charge!

I've not met Missy Bellinger-- we've only spoken by phone, but she is one of the kindest, sweetest and most helpful people you'll ever know. You can tell the individuals of Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation truly care about people! We appreciate them so much.

-- Lynette Zeller

In 2014 when my undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma returned, doctors at MD Anderson gave us 2 weeks to pack up and move from Helena, Alabama to Houston, Texas! Did I mention that those 2 weeks were just prior to Thanksgiving? Within a period of about 10 days, the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation responded to our request for temporary housing--we were provided with a furnished apartment less than a mile from the hospital! What a blessing! Our stay continued through Christmas and into the New Year. How surprised we were when Missy called from the Foundation to let us know that members of the board were bringing over gifts and food on Christmas Eve! What a pleasure to meet and have Christmas fellowship with the very persons involved with providing our temporary home in Houston! Thank you so much for these and all of the other kindnesses that were extended to us while we were in treatment at MD Anderson! God bless our new friends and family in Texas! We will forever cherish our memories of our stay in Houston thanks to the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation. Many, many thanks from Tom & Amy, Charlie Anne, Davis, Mary Katherine, and Wilson Grimes

I was blessed to find this great organization that provides housing during my stay in Houston. What a relief for my family to know I was staying in a nice, safe place close to the hospital. It's very important because I'm in Houston alone and my family is back in Charlotte, NC. Everything has been smooth and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

My husband Doug was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in June of 2013. He was told "in order to save your life we have to take your leg." So his leg was removed in July and he started the process of healing and rehab. 4 months later it had spread to his lungs. We contacted MDA sarcoma center for a second opinion. We were in Houston for 9 months and he was still in treatment when the cottage we had been renting was no longer available to us. We had heard about the Amschwand sarcoma foundation from some friends, Shannon and Curtis Roten who were staying in an ASCF apartment at the time we met them. I contacted Missy and to our great joy one was available. We are so grateful to have had such a nice place to stay and so close to MDA. We are home for awhile now but will have many more appointments at MDA in the months to come. It is a comfort to know we can call Missy when we need to be in Houston. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

I have been battling Ewing's Sarcoma since 2011. I would not be able to receive the best treatment in the world if it was not for Amschwand Foundation. I has provided housing on many of my trips for scans, doctor appointments, and treatments. It has become a home away from home for me. I just feel more comfortable in these apartments. After having a right pneumonectomy, I did most of my rehab walking the halls of the apartment complex.
God bless, Missy and the Foundation for all they have done for me and others.

Peggy McDaniel
Knoxville, TN

Amschwaund is currently housing my family for the second time as my husband undergoes cancer treatment at md anderson! I can not put into words how much this apartment has blessed us. It gives us a sense of normalcy during a time if utter chaos. The Amschwaund sarcoma foundation is so easy to work with and frees me up to spend all my time caring for my husband!

My BELOVED only child, ANGEL Johnny O'Leary (7), was diagnosed on Oct. 14, 2011 with a rare sarcoma around his little heart (pericardial synovial sarcoma). We sought treatment at MD Anderson/Texas Children’s and called on Missy Bellinger, after a thorough search.

Tommy Amschwand was a dear personal friend of mine, but never thought I would maintain a connection with his beautiful soul in this manner. The Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation provided our family a free apartment for 3 months (3 miles from MDA) and held my hand when I needed guidance throughout our heartbreaking journey of 500 days … and beyond.

I am now on the board and it is my privilege to serve the 1% that are diagnosed with sarcoma and those that continue the fight! In my opinion, the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation is simply like its founder, Tommy - a powerful, focused, and unequivocal force that lives on to serve others.

My husband was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma cancer in 2010. We opted to do treatment in Houston at MD Anderson. We moved our family to Houston for 9 months so he could do aggressive treatment. We learned about the Amschwand foundation after his treatment and have been able to stay in the apartments during surgery and scans. We were overwhelmed by the kindness of Melissa and the organization. Having a comfortable place to stay at no cost was such a relief to our family. The apartments are very nice and located close to the medical center. Our family will be forever grateful for Amschwand and the service you provide to families affected by sarcoma cancer.

Back in the beginning of March of this year my aunt had her first appointment in Houston, TX, at MD Anderson. We were prepared for a 1 week visit, given the initial guidance from the hospital. After our first appointment with the doctor, we were told that we were going to stay for several weeks as her treatment was very risky to be given elsewhere. Missy and the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation were there for us under these unexpected circumstances. The friendliness, flexibility and compassion shown to my aunt and family far exceeded any expectation one could have had from such an organization. The apartment was setup to be a home-like environment, and it made for the visit and treatments to become that much easier to cope with. The location made it very accessible to the hospital and the daily treatments. Furthermore, the people associated with the foundation made their presence available in case of any issues during the visit. They truly provided a caring neighbor when in a city far away from home. Thank you once again to this great organization.

My family will always be grateful with Melissa Amschwand-Bellinger and the Amschwand Foundation for the enormous generosity not only for the housing that was provided but the peace of mind they gave us while my sister was being treated in Houston. The apartment is very conveniently located and very well furnitured. Thank you to all the people involved with the Foundation . The tranquility my sister had during all the time she was in Houston its invaluable. Blessings to Missy and Dr Vinod Ravi who told us about the foundation.
Rosa Lucero

During my time in Houston for treatment , I did not had a place to stay , but The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation came to my rescue by providing housing . A nice ,safe and close to the hospital apartment.
I am so thankful to the Foundation and the kindness of Missy.
Nidia Lucero

This was such an incredible blessing for us during our stay in Houston. It's conveniently close to MD Anderson and many yummy restaurants. The decor was pleasant and calming. The courtyards, pool, and work out room were great too! I loved the idea of having a grill close by. It was just so great to not have to worry about paying for a hotel but still staying somewhere incredibly nice. Thank you for providing this service for us. God bless you all.

I am most grateful to Missy and the love and support she has shown our family during this most difficult time of our lives!
My husband Curtis was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma Jan 8 of this year after a tumor broke his L5 and he had surgery to relieve the pain. After much research we determined MD Anderson was who we wanted to treat his cancer. So we began the new patient process and came for our first visit to Houston from Ft Worth. We were here just a few days but the trip was quite costly.
I began to search the internet and found the Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation and could not stop reading.
I read up on the housing program they provided and sent in the application. I heard back from Missy in no time at all and she said she could accommodate us when we came to Houston for the first treatment.
We arrived here on March 2nd for a March 3rd appt. Missy emailed me to say she had an apartment ready for us to use during our stay. And it is such a nice apartment! No words can ever express how very very grateful we are for this.
My husband ended up being taken to the ER on the 3rd and today is still in the hospital but just to have the apartment to go to for down time is a tremendous blessing. We have a road ahead and the cancer diagnosis was changed once MD did their own biopsy. He has Multicentric Osteosarcoma and it caused his leg to break just this past Monday during an X-Ray. He just finished 10 days of radiation and 5 days of Chemo when it happened. So we wait for his counts to go back up and then he will have 2nd round of chemo with an additional drug. Then once his counts come up he will have surgery on his leg. It is now casted from hip to foot.
I will always be grateful for the love and compassion poured into our lives by this tremendous blessing. I have expressed to Missy I want to help in any way I can to tell others about this amazing foundation.
God bless you all~

It is hard for me to put into words how thankful I am for the housing provided by The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation. When my 21 year old son was diagnosed with his 2nd sarcoma in his calf, I knew we would be traveling to MDAnderson from Washington state for his treatment due to the complicated surgery it would take to get clean margins and due our genetic predisposition to cancer (Li Fraumeni Syndrome). Another patient with Li Fraumeni told me about the housing provided by the Amschwand Sarcoma Foundation. We were in Houston a little over 3 weeks. Having a child with cancer is tough enough, but dealing with travel costs, loss of time from work and then possible hotel costs can be so overwhelming. To have some of the financial burden erased was HUGE. Not to mention the sense of 'home' that the apartment brought. Having a separate bedroom for my son to sleep in, a kitchen to be able to cook for him in, the shuttle to and from the hospital during the week, and the gorgeous property and friendly staff were so very appreciated. Missy was so kind and helpful with whatever questions I had. Thank you so much for providing this much needed service! We will be forever grateful to your Foundation for all of the help you provided to our family!

Before my brother, Tom, passed away from sarcoma cancer and in honor of our mother who had succumbed to the disease six years prior, he envisioned a non-profit in Houston that would help others who are affected by this rare disease. Having just spent time in Boston utilizing a non-profit that provides temporary housing to persons receiving treatment in the medical area, Tom envisioned a similar program in Houston since MD Anderson is one of the few sarcoma centers in the world and since most people receiving treatment have to travel great distances for treatment. Travel expenses are not covered by insurance and can be very costly for sarcoma patients and their loved ones. Not only have we been able to provide housing for sarcoma patients receiving treatment at the MD Anderson Sarcoma Center with three different corporate apartments, but we have been able to fund much needed sarcoma research, create awareness and provide tangible support .

I am extremely proud to serve as an original board member alongside my sister-in-law, Missy Amschwand-Bellinger, who has not only fulfilled Tom’s dream but has lovingly and fearlessly guided us in creating his amazing legacy.

The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation provided my family and I with a sense of peace. When we found out that my father had cancer we knew that he would have to obtain his treatment in Houston which is 4 1/2 hours away from home. We contacted ASCF and Missy immediately took action and provided my parents with an apartment to live in while my father received treatment at MDA. My father adored Missy and was so amazed by how much she truly cares for each and every one that she meets through ASCF. Missy certainly goes above and beyond to help in any way that she can. During that difficult time we were comforted by knowing that ASCF was constantly there for us and always provided a shoulder to cry on, Thanksgiving dinner, phone calls with words of encouragement and prayers. Words cannot express the enormous amount of gratitude that we have for ASCF and our amazing friend Missy. We were truly blessed to have come in contact with ASCF and Missy Bellinger, you will always be in our hearts forever.

Blessings,
The Zepeda and Snelson Family

The Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation changes the lives of families affected by sarcoma cancers. It is an honor to serve as a board member for this amazing organization.