Author: Leslie Toldo
After he was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, Brian Brandau’s doctor in Cheboygan referred him to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint.
“First I had surgery,” said Brian. “Then I had to come down to Flint every three weeks for immunotherapy.”
The 260-mile trip from Cheboygan to Flint was tough, and often meant staying overnight for him and his wife Martha, before or after his treatments.
“Dr. Scott Kizy, Brian’s surgical oncologist, recommended we consider staying at the Hospitality House right next to the cancer center,” Martha said.
The Hospitality House on the McLaren Flint campus offers a low and sometimes no-cost home-away-from-home for out-of-town patients and their families.
“We were totally surprised when we got to the Hospitality House and saw the large kitchen area, a billiards room, and a craft room,” Martha said. “And, unlike a hotel where you are sitting in your room all the time, at the House you can sit downstairs by the fire. It makes you feel more relaxed and at ease.”
The Hospitality House also offers laundry and exercise facilities, a library, multiple seating areas, a beautiful outdoor space, and shuttle service to the hospital. It has been more than a convenience for the Brandaus. It has been a godsend, especially with the toll that battling cancer can take on the finances.
“Some weeks are tougher than others, especially with three kids in school and college,” Brian said. “So, some weeks we pay less. Other weeks, when we have a little extra, we pay more. It’s amazing because it takes away some of the burden when we only have enough money to cover gas for the trip down to Flint.”
The Brandaus have had a long battle over the last three years. Brian’s cancer has spread, which has meant more surgeries, more treatments, and more time in Flint.
“Sometimes we are checking in at 10 or 11 at night. We never know when we may need to check in, but there is no set time, so it takes that waiting out of the equation,” Martha said. “The Hospitality House staff are just amazing. They even try to get us into the same room every time we come down. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for us.”
For the Hospitality House staff, providing support and comfort to patients and families is the best part of the job.
“Some days I come to work with problems of my own. My problems seem so petty compared to what guests are going through,” said House manager Edwina Johnson. “It makes me realize how lucky I have been in my life. It’s a good feeling to help someone in a stressful situation, and we all do whatever we can to offer them kindness and support. “
Having that support has helped sustain the entire Brandau family through Brian’s cancer battle.
“You get through a day at a time and live every day- not like it’s your last- but enjoy every day with family and make memories that will last forever, Brian said. “We joke and laugh with the doctors because if you can’t make fun of it, then it’s going to be really, really hard; and that’s where people start going downhill really fast. I think I am here because of the attitude I have.”
To learn more about the Hospitality House at McLaren Flint, visit mclaren.org/hospitalityhouse or call (810) 820-9800.