Pictured: Shelly sits in the living room located in the renovated wing of Sarah’s Guest House | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Imagine a world where no one has to endure the stress of medical treatment alone. A place where patients and caregivers can find rest, support and a sense of community during some of life’s most challenging moments. This is the vision of Sarah’s Guest House — a haven of comfort, providing free lodging, meals and transportation for those receiving medical care in Central New York. A vision that the organization has made a reality for hundreds of patients and families each year.
For Shelly, Sarah’s Guest House has been more than just a place to stay — it has been a lifeline. Born and raised in Onondaga County, Shelly’s journey took her across New York, but she never expected to return under such difficult circumstances. In October 2023, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, requiring frequent trips to Upstate Medical for chemotherapy and radiation. The exhausting treatments left her too weak to make the long drive back home to Cayuga County.
“I used to be an Uber driver and was in a band, and I could go 36 hours without sleep,” Shelly shared. “But after chemo, I’m so exhausted I can sleep for 15 hours straight. I never thought I’d struggle to drive, but it became impossible.”
That’s when Sarah’s Guest House stepped in. With warm meals, a safe place to rest and even transportation to and from appointments, Shelly found not only relief but also a community.
“I was struggling to afford gas, and I didn’t know how I was going to do this,” she recalled. “When Sarah’s Guest House opened their doors to me, a huge burden was lifted. It was the biggest gift.”
Shelly’s connection to Sarah’s Guest House goes beyond just the practical support. She found camaraderie among the volunteers and other guests — many facing similar struggles.
“I’ve met people with the same type of cancer as me. We share stories, fears, and hope,” she said. “Even if someone isn’t going through the exact same thing, there’s a shared understanding here. That makes all the difference.”
Executive Director of Sarah’s Guest House, David Haas, emphasized the importance of this connection. “Medical challenges don’t just impact physical health; they take an emotional and mental toll. We strive to provide a home, not just a house — somewhere our guests feel supported in every way.”
With the help of a $50,000 grant from our Community Fund, Sarah’s Guest House renovated a newly gifted wing from Most Holy Rosary Parish, expanding accessibility and capacity so more people like Shelly can find the refuge they need. The renovations doubled the house’s size, growing from 11 to 22 bedrooms, including four fully accessible rooms with accompanying bathrooms.
Additional updates included a new elevator and upgraded common spaces designed to foster even stronger community connections.
“I’m truly impressed with how safe I feel here,” Shelly said. “There are three laundry rooms, three kitchens, and private bathrooms — everything is designed so guests can live with dignity and independence.”
CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
The impact of Sarah’s Guest House goes beyond Shelly’s experience. Each year, the home welcomes hundreds of patients and caregivers who might otherwise struggle to find transportation to appointments or afford a place to stay. The organization has witnessed a growing demand as more patients travel here for the advanced care offered at local hospitals and medical institutions. With its expanded capacity, Sarah’s Guest House remains committed to growing as a vital resource for Central New York.
For Shelly, this support means everything. “If Sarah’s Guest House wasn’t here, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I would have had to move my treatment to a different hospital, away from the doctors I trust, away from my mother who’s in an assisted living facility nearby.”
Sarah’s Guest House ensures that no one has to make those difficult choices alone. The path forward is clear: by working together, the Central New York community can continue to provide healing, hope and home to those in need.
