Nonprofit will provide free lodging for out-of-town cancer patients in Spokane

Nonprofit Cancer Can’t is building a patient sanctuary where out-of-town cancer patients can stay for free while receiving treatment in Spokane.

Right now, Cancer Can’t provides up to eight days of lodging for out-of-town cancer patients. While that works for patients who stay in Spokane only a few days at a time, many cancer patients need to receive treatments for extended periods.

The proposed Cancer Can’t lodging facility provides a dedicated space for these patients.

“In these rural communities, there are not oncologists. There’s no way to get radiation, and Spokane is the medical hub where they come. But if you don’t have the resources to drive two hours or stay in Spokane while receiving treatment, what do you do? We’re able to offer something to lift that barrier,” Cancer Can’t founder Becky Van Keulen said.

Andrea Brannon’s mother is a cancer patient who travels nearly two hours to receive treatments in Spokane. Beginning last year, Cancer Can’t has provided free lodging and drives to and from Spokane during radiation treatments.

“That almost two hours back to home is miserable for her. For her to be able to stay in Spokane, and kind of let my mom settle after those appointments has been just absolutely amazing,” Brannon said.

The Cancer Can’t lodging facility will contain 20 one-bedroom units in four two-story buildings to be constructed on the 1400 block of West Mallon Avenue.

The location provides easy access to the city’s core and medical district.

Cancer Can’t has raised $4.8 million of the estimated $6 million project. Included in those funds were $1.5 million awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and $1.53 million from the recently passed Washington state budget.

“This has statewide implications. Out-of-town patients come here because Spokane is a medical hub receiving cancer treatment. But the strain of coming in for treatment and having to get back home can be difficult on these families,” said Rep. Timm Ormsby, who pushed for the funding in this year’s state budget.

“This project relieves a lot of pressure on the family during very challenging times. I was compelled by it.”

Once the facility opens, it should be financially self-sustaining, Van Keulen said. In between cancer patients, the spaces will be rented out for short-term and corporate rentals, which will cover the cost of providing the free lodging.

The project will begin construction in the fall and is expected to open in late 2026.