As more clinical trials become available to people with VHL, more people may be looking for ways to economize on travel to seek treatment -- at NIH or at any other center offering trials for one of the new drugs coming up.

Mercy Airlift

Mercy Airlift will arrange deeply discounted or free tickets on commercial flights to help people in this situation.

Mercy Airlift is part of a consortium of charitable flight alternatives that includes empty seats on private corporate jets, and short-haul ambulance-style transport for those who need it, but for this purpose a seat on a regular commercial flight will usually do just fine.

Contact the Patient Assistance office at 757-318-9174 or 1-888-675-1405. Ask to speak with Elaine or Jean. Say that you have VHL, which is a cancer syndrome. They arrange charitable seats on commercial flights for cancer treatment.

On the web at http://www.mercymedical.org

Hospital Hospitality Houses

When we travel far for treatment, hotel costs can add significantly to the financial burden.

The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. is a non-profit corporation serving facilities that provide lodging and other supportive services to patients and their families when confronted with medical emergencies. Each facility assures that a homelike environment is provided to persons who must travel to be with a patient or to receive necessary outpatient care.

Contact them at Office: 828-253-1188, or Toll-Free: 1-800-542-9730, or by filling out the “Contact Us” form at http://www.nahhh.org

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 15:1, January 2007. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org