Why are Stowe lodging establishments giving away hundreds of free hotel rooms?
Valerie Rochon, Executive Director of the Stowe Area Association, the event's primary sponsor, said in a 2001 press release announcing the inaugural Weekend of Hope, "It's a fact that one in three people alive in the United States today will be affected by cancer in some way. The Stowe Weekend of Hope will help combat this dread disease by both educating and inspiring those most directly affected."
Participants will have access to a variety of educational and recreational programs throughout the weekend. The Stowe Weekend of Hope will feature presentations by some of the nation's leading oncologists and medical researchers, held at a variety of locations throughout the resort town. Presentation topics will cover both traditional and non-traditional cancer treatments and therapies. This year's Weekend of Hope will also feature reiki sessions, writing workshops, a survivors' victory climb, a hypnotherapy session, evening entertainment and opportunities to network with other patients. Most events are free; meals are not included.
Although Amtrak will not offer complimentary train transportation to Stowe this year, as it has in the past, travelers can use discount code V446 to save 20 percent on round-trip train fare from Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City and other Amtrak departure points.
On Saturday evening, a candlelight service will be held. More details about weekend events are available at the Stowe Weekend of Hope Web site.
Free accommodations at dozens of participating Stowe lodges, inns and hotels will be provided for Friday and Saturday nights to people who have or have had cancer and their families. Only first-time Weekend of Hope attendees are eligible for free rooms. Discounted rooms are available for returning guests. To request a free or discounted room, complete the online registration form. A $50 registration fee is required to hold your free room. At check-in, this deposit will be refunded, or you may opt instead to donate the fee to the Stowe Weekend of Hope. Interested cancer patients and survivors should request reservations as soon as possible, as rooms are limited. For more information, call toll free, 877-467-8693.
