latest on the blog
When my mom began radiation treatments in New York City, we were incredibly grateful to receive a room at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. What we quickly discovered, however, is that while Hope Lodge provides a wonderful place to stay, there are many little things that make day-to-day life easier during treatment.
If you're preparing for a stay at Hope Lodge NYC, here are the tips we wish we had known before we arrived.
First: Hope Lodge Truly Feels Like Home
The New York City Hope Lodge provides private guest rooms, community kitchens, laundry facilities, gathering spaces, and a supportive environment for patients and caregivers undergoing cancer treatment. Guests have access to kitchen storage, refrigerator and freezer space, laundry supplies, Wi-Fi, and common areas throughout the building.
After long treatment days, having a clean, comfortable place to return to makes all the difference.
Parking Tips
If you're driving into Manhattan for treatment, parking can become one of your biggest expenses.
For those receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, ask about patient parking discounts before your first appointment. The savings can add up significantly over the course of treatment.
If you're staying for multiple weeks, consider whether you truly need your vehicle every day. In some situations, parking once and relying on walking or public transportation can save both money and stress.
Grocery Shopping: Bring More Than You Think
Each guest receives designated pantry, refrigerator, and freezer space in the community kitchens.
A few items that made our stay much easier:
- Shelf-stable snacks
- Bottled water
- Instant oatmeal
- Soup
- Microwave meals
- Protein bars
- Tea bags
- Easy breakfast items
Treatment days can be exhausting, and having food ready in your room or the kitchen is invaluable.
Bring Disposable Silverware
This may sound silly, but it became one of our best discoveries.
While Hope Lodge provides kitchen facilities, there are days when the last thing you want to do is wash dishes after returning from appointments.
We brought:
- Plastic forks and spoons
- Paper plates
- Paper bowls
- Disposable cups
They saved both time and energy during difficult treatment days.
Food Delivery Tips
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and grocery delivery services all work well.
One thing to know: delivery drivers generally do not come up to guest rooms. You should plan to meet deliveries downstairs in the lobby area when they arrive.
This became part of our routine and worked smoothly once we knew what to expect.
Receiving Packages
Guests may receive mail and packages during their stay, which can be especially helpful for longer treatment periods. Packages are typically held securely at the front desk until pickup.
If you're staying for several weeks, don't hesitate to have essentials shipped directly to Hope Lodge.
Nearby Restaurant Favorites
One of the biggest surprises was how many food options are within walking distance.
Some nearby favorites include:
- Ess-a-Bagel for a classic New York breakfast bagel.
- Friedman's for breakfast, brunch, and comfort food.
- Carnegie Diner & Cafe when you're craving diner favorites and generous portions.
- Zaytinya for a special meal and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Rowdy Rooster for quick takeout near Penn Station.
Many guests also take advantage of grocery delivery and prepared meals to minimize the need to cook every day.
Laundry Is Free
One wonderful feature of Hope Lodge is that laundry facilities and supplies are provided for guests.
This means you can pack lighter than you might expect, especially for longer stays.
Bring Comfort From Home
The Hope Lodge website suggests bringing comfort items from home, and I completely agree.
For us, that included:
- Favorite blankets
- Books
- Tea
- Family photos
- Cozy pajamas
- Small decorations
Those familiar touches transformed our room from temporary lodging into a peaceful retreat during a difficult season.
The Best Tip of All
Cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Hope Lodge doesn't change the diagnosis, but it removes one enormous burden: where to stay.
What we found wasn't simply a place to sleep. We found kindness, understanding, and a community of people who truly understood what we were walking through.
If you're preparing for a stay at Hope Lodge NYC, know this: you are arriving at a place filled with people who understand that healing requires more than medical treatment. Sometimes it also requires a comfortable chair, a warm meal, a friendly conversation, and a place that feels a little like home.
training for my first marathon at forty-six in hawaii in support of pencils for promise
June 10, 2026
For the past year, I have been working toward a goal that very few people knew about. Originally, that goal was a half marathon as I shared before. This was an original goal and something I was training for before I got sick and something that I always knew I wanted to do as I healed. So I started walking.
One mile at a time. One week at a time. One step at a time.
Then, in August, as y'all know, life threw me an unexpected curveball. While hiking, I took a serious fall that sidelined my training and forced me to postpone my original half marathon plans until the spring. It was disappointing, but I told myself there would always be another race and another opportunity to continue the journey.
Then, just a few months later, our family received news that mattered far more than any race ever could. Over Christmas, as y'all know, mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, calendars, training schedules, and race goals took a back seat to doctor's appointments, treatment plans, trips to New York City, and simply being present for someone I love. Like so many things in life, the plans I had carefully made didn't unfold the way I expected.
But somewhere in the middle of it all, mom and I kept dreaming and believing for healing and the future and I found myself thinking about that goal again. Not the half marathon. Something bigger.
The Honolulu Marathon.
A Different Kind of Finish Line
Perhaps it sounds strange to choose a marathon after a season that has felt physically and emotionally exhausting. But in many ways, for me, that is exactly why it feels right. The past year has been a reminder again that none of us really know what tomorrow holds. Plans change. Circumstances change. Life changes.
But sometimes we are given the opportunity to choose what comes next.
For me, that choice is Honolulu. Not because I expect it to be easy. Not because I expect it to be fast. But because after watching my mother face surgery, radiation treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis, crossing a finish line feels less about athletics and more about gratitude.
It feels like a celebration of health. A celebration of perseverance. A celebration of simply getting to move forward. And perhaps there is no better place for that celebration than Hawaii.
For years, Hawaii has been one of those places that lived quietly on my travel wish list. The turquoise water, the mountains, the spirit of aloha, and the slower pace of island life all seem like the perfect backdrop for a challenge that is as much about the journey as the finish line.
The Honolulu Marathon begins before sunrise and carries participants through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. There is something magical about the idea of watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean while taking on a challenge that once felt impossible.
Walking for Education
As I prepared to register for Honolulu, I knew I wanted this journey to be about more than crossing a finish line. Education has shaped nearly every chapter of my life.
It has taken me to earning graduate degrees, teaching students across the country, creating educational resources for classrooms, and pursuing opportunities I never could have imagined as a young student. Because education has given so much to me, I wanted this marathon to give back.
That is why I am partnering with Pencils of Promise and committing to raise $1,000 in support of their mission to expand educational opportunities for children around the world.
As both an educator and lifelong learner, their mission resonates deeply with me. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream about what their future might hold. Every training walk now carries an additional purpose. Every mile helps support a cause I believe in. And every donation helps open doors for students whose lives may be changed through the gift of education.
If you would like to support my fundraising efforts, you can visit my fundraising page HERE:
Together, we can help make education possible for more children around the world.
One Step at a Time
One of the things I have learned over the past year is that most worthwhile journeys happen one step at a time. Recovery happens one day at a time. Healing happens one day at a time. Cancer treatment happens one appointment at a time. And marathon training happens one walk at a time.
Right now, my training is far from glamorous.
It looks like early morning walks. Evening walks. Walking Adirondack roads. Walking through small towns. Walking while listening to podcasts or thinking through blog posts and lesson plans. Prayers for those that I love, dreaming of the future, and healing from this past year.
But perhaps that is why I love it.
There is something beautiful about ordinary steps adding up to something extraordinary. Twenty-six point two miles feels overwhelming when viewed all at once. But the next step never does.
So between now and December, I'll keep taking the next step.
And then the next.
And then the next.
Until, those ordinary steps carry me all the way to Honolulu and raising $1,000 to help provide educational opportunities for children around the world, that finish line will mean even more than I ever imagined.
THANK YOU so much for all of your excitement and support of this incredible adventure!
If you would like to support my fundraising efforts, you can visit my fundraising page HERE!
Pérouges, France: The 15th century medieval walled town perched on a hill that felt as though time had simply decided to stay awhile. With its weathered stone walls, flower-filled windows, winding cobblestone lanes, and quiet corners tucked behind centuries-old doors, Pérouges was one of those places that invited you to slow down and notice every detail.
Click HERE to see many more pictures of this beautiful town!
Mom and I were so glad that we chose to do this tour with Viking Cruises on our Rhône River cruise. The tour was fascinating, the town was gorgeous, and the history was inspiring. This past year we have talked often about this tour and it has reminded us that beauty is not found in perfection. It is found in the worn places, the weathered places, the places that have endured. And perhaps the same is true for us. The chapters we never would have chosen, the unexpected turns, the seasons that seemed to change everything often become the very stories that shape us most deeply.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
Mom and I were so glad that we chose to do this tour with Viking Cruises on our Rhône River cruise. The tour was fascinating, the town was gorgeous, and the history was inspiring. This past year we have talked often about this tour and it has reminded us that beauty is not found in perfection. It is found in the worn places, the weathered places, the places that have endured. And perhaps the same is true for us. The chapters we never would have chosen, the unexpected turns, the seasons that seemed to change everything often become the very stories that shape us most deeply.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
// Leonard Cohen //
My Viking Story | Caravan Sonnet | Pérouges, France
My Viking Story | Caravan Sonnet | Pérouges, France
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! If we are connected on instagram then you know that on Saturday we drove home from NYC and arrived late Saturday evening. We were so thankful to be home!
Yesterday was spent resting, getting caught up on laundry, and beginning to pack up to go to the cabin! Our goal is to move in later this week- as we have a few things and mom is still recovering from radiation treatment. There was tons of laundry and unpacking to do from our trip and it was so lovely to be home. There was not an hour that went by that either mom or I would wander to each other and just comment on how lovely it was to be home. We are so so so grateful.
Yesterday I also spent a ton of time searching for the most economical and affordable plane tickets for going to to TPT forward next month! This is my first TPT forward and I am so excited to go and learn! I found some flights that are a little bit interesting, but was so thankful to be able to find some that were slightly affordable so I am so grateful!
Today I also begin my training for my first marathon in Hawaii! I can't wait to share more about this with y'all! I hope that you have the best start to your week! If you are going to TPT forward please let me know by leaving a comment - I would love to connect!!
We are overwhelmed with gratitude and thankful that mom's radiation treatment is now complete! Click HERE to watch my most favorite reel EVER.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support- more to come, but in the meantime thank you for all of your continued prayers as we heal from the last year.
Most people travel to New York City for Broadway shows, summer adventures, restaurants, city landmarks, and sightseeing. This first week of June, we’re here for a different reason. I shared the reel the other day of what I bought for the room HERE and today I shared the reveal HERE on instagram!!
As my mom completes radiation treatments this week, we have the privilege of staying at Hope Lodge. This has been the biggest blessing. Before we arrived, a dear friend gifted me a Hobby Lobby gift card, and I used it to gather a few simple things to help make our room feel even more warm, peaceful, and welcoming (which has already been above and beyond wonderful by the volunteers and staff).
Over the years, I’ve learned that beauty isn’t reserved for perfect circumstances or a certain place. Sometimes it looks like a fresh set of towels, flowers on a table, a favorite blanket, a classroom decor, or a thoughtfully arranged corner of a room. I believe every space can be treated with extra care and in that small way we love those in our circles even deeper by creating haven areas.
A HUGE thank you to Hope Lodge for the opportunity to stay and the love and support around each corner. Thank you also to everyone who has prayed for our family and walked alongside us during this season- we are so grateful. ❤️
Thank you so much for your likes, comments, and shares on this reel! Click HERE to see!
Happy Wednesday friends! I hope you have the most wonderful day!
Caravan Sonnet | Hope Lodge Cancer Treatment MSK
Creating a beautiful
garden is not always about buying expensive plants or completely redesigning
the entire space. Often, the biggest improvements come from clever layout
decisions that make a garden feel more organized, balanced, and visually
appealing.
Whether working with a
compact urban garden or a larger outdoor area, a few strategic design tricks
can instantly transform how the space looks and functions. Here are some of the
most effective garden layout ideas homeowners are increasingly using to upgrade
outdoor spaces.
1. Define Clear
Borders and Edges
One of the quickest
ways to make a garden look more polished is by creating clear boundaries
between lawns, flower beds, pathways, and driveways.
Defined edging helps
gardens appear:
* Tidier
* More structured
* Easier to maintain
* Visually organized
Many homeowners now
use durable metal lawn edging to create cleaner transitions between
different areas of the garden. Steel edging has become particularly popular
because it offers a sleek appearance while helping maintain crisp lawn lines
and reducing grass spread into borders.
2. Create Zones
Within the Garden
Breaking a garden into
smaller functional areas instantly makes the space feel more intentional and
usable.
* Dining areas
* Relaxation spaces
* Vegetable patches
* Children’s play zones
* Decorative planting sections
Even small gardens
benefit from subtle zoning because it creates better flow and makes the space
feel larger and more practical.
Pergolas, planters,
pathways, and changes in paving materials can all help visually separate areas
without making the garden feel enclosed.
3. Use Curved
Lines to Soften the Space
Straight lines can
sometimes make gardens feel rigid or boxy, especially in smaller spaces.
Introducing curves through borders, pathways, or planting beds helps create a
softer and more natural appearance.
Curved layouts encourage the eye to move through the space
gradually, which often makes gardens feel more spacious and visually
interesting.
This technique works
particularly well in modern gardens where softer landscaping can balance
minimalist architecture and hard surfaces.
4. Add Height
Variation
Gardens become far
more visually dynamic when they include different heights and layers.
Adding vertical
interest can involve:
* Raised planters
* Climbing plants
* Trellises
* Decorative trees
* Tall grasses
* Hanging lighting
Layered planting also
creates depth and helps smaller gardens feel less flat or one-dimensional.
Many designers
recommend treating gardens similarly to interior spaces by balancing low,
mid-level, and taller visual elements throughout the layout.
5. Make Pathways
Feel Intentional
Garden pathways are
not just practical. They also strongly influence how people experience outdoor
spaces.
Well-designed paths
help create structure and encourage movement through the garden. Materials such
as gravel, stone, brick, and porcelain paving can completely change the overall
atmosphere of the space.
Pathways also work
well when combined with defined edging because the contrast between materials
creates a cleaner and more finished appearance.
6. Repeat
Materials and Colors Consistently
One common mistake in
garden design is using too many unrelated materials or colors within the same
space. Consistency usually creates a calmer and more cohesive overall
appearance.
Repeating elements
such as:
* Plant colors
* Paving materials
* Edging finishes
* Outdoor furniture tones
* Decorative planters
helps gardens feel
more professionally designed.
This does not mean
everything needs to match perfectly, but repeating key visual details creates
stronger balance throughout the layout.
7. Use Lighting
to Extend the Space Into the Evening
Outdoor lighting has
become one of the most effective ways to improve garden atmosphere and
functionality.
Well-placed lighting
can:
* Highlight pathways
* Create ambience
* Improve safety
* Draw attention to planting features
* Make gardens feel larger at night
Warm lighting around
seating areas or along pathways often creates a much more inviting outdoor
environment without overwhelming the space.
8. Frame Key
Features Within the Layout
Strong garden layouts
often include a visual focal point that naturally draws attention.
Popular focal features
include:
* Water features
* Fire pits
* Statement planters
* Outdoor seating areas
* Sculptures
* Decorative trees
Framing these features
with pathways, planting, or structured borders helps create a stronger sense of
balance and purpose within the garden.
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