Hospitality Announces Its First-Ever Boston Marathon Runner!

We are excited to announce that Hospitality Homes was selected to participate in the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program for 2008. Kristina Duke, an experienced marathoner from Long Island, ran an amazing 26.2 miles for Hospitality on Marathon Monday, April 21.


Click here to sponsor Kristina
All marathon donations received through May 31 will count towards Kristina's $10,000 fundraising goal. Your contribution will support Hospitality's mission to provide a caring response to the housing needs of patients' families when they travel to Boston. If you prefer, you may mail your contribution to Hospitality Homes, P.O. Box 15265, Boston, MA 02215. Checks are payable to Hospitality Homes. Please write "Marathon" in the check memo.

Visit Kristina's training blog to learn more about our first-ever Boston Marathon runner.

In Memoriam: Joan Biggers, 1924-2007
Hospitality Homes' Co-Founder

Joan Biggers, a co-founder of Hospitality Homes (formerly The Hospitality Program) died on November 6, 2007, after many years of battling Alzheimer’s Disease. A social worker who initiated the Patient Representative program at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in the 1970’s, Joan recognized the enormous financial and emotional stress facing families who traveled to Boston from across the globe to obtain medical care for a loved one. She approached the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts with the idea of a home-based solution to this challenge, and obtained grants to begin a volunteer host program. The Hospitality Program placed its first guest on January 1, 1983.

In a reflection written in 2000, Joan wrote, “I believe the creation of the Hospitality Program to be THE most important achievement of my life.” She noted the same concerns facing guests to this day: the difficulty of finding affordable accommodations, the loneliness and isolation of being far from home, the worry resulting from a loved one’s serious illness, and the additional hurdles faced by those who do not speak English.

Joan’s reflection concludes, “It gives me great joy to be able to make, in my will, what I hope will be a worthwhile contribution to the ongoing growth and success of Hospitality’s world-wide ministry. Also, when I die, I will indicate that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the program."

Joan’s legacy is one of hope and healing. To date, Hospitality Homes has provided over 135,000 nights of host home housing to more than 13,000 families. Hospitality Homes extends deep sympathy to her three children, her sister, her nine grandchildren, and all who loved Joan. May she rest in peace.

Fall 2007 Newsletter
Spring 2007 Newsletter
Winter 2007 Newsletter

Hospitality Homes Offers Toll-Free Access
In an effort to better serve patients and their families, we now offer toll-free access. Reach us at 888.595.HOST (4678)

New Office Contact Information
Be sure to note our new office contact information, listed in the navigation column on the lefthand side of this page.