Once again, the quaint resort town of Stowe and the Vermont Cancer Network are sponsoring a weekend strictly for people who have or have had cancer and their families by giving away free hotel rooms for the weekend of May 2-4, 2003. In 2001, over 500 people took advantage of this unique opportunity; last year's event saw double that number, and this year the organizers are at over 1,000 people, if not more. And while the rooms are indeed free, you'll still need to pay for your meals in town, but all businesses will be donating 10% of the weekend's proceeds to the Vermont Cancer Network Emergency Fund.
The Weekend of Hope features a health fair on Friday and Saturday with informational booths, free cancer screenings and a variety of educational presentations given by some of the top oncologists in the country (all there voluntarily). It's a rare opportunity for attendees to talk one-on-one with so many specialists. In addition to the health fair, there are programs for spouses, children and teenagers, plus participants are invited to take part in the creation of "Flags of Hope and Healing," an ecumenical candlelight service, music performances, raffles and more. Some programs require an advanced registration and/or a small attendance fee.
Twenty-eight properties in the area are giving up approximately 300 rooms for the event. In addition, Amtrak is providing a Train of Hope free from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City for cancer patients, family and loved ones who are traveling to Stowe for the weekend.
Rooms are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. To register for a room and to learn more about the event, visit www.gostowe.com/woh/woh.html, send an e-mail to info@stowehope.com or call 800/467-8693. To learn more about Stowe, read our free online coverage in our Destinations section at www.frommmers.com/destinations/stowe.
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