In an effort to improve the Hope Village property, a second phase of renovations has recently been completed. The work is funded in part by a five-year, $1.65 million gift from The Home Depot Foundation made in 2003. To date, 12 rooms have been upgraded with new features that include full-sized kitchen appliances, new cabinets and countertops, softer lighting, simulated wood flooring, stainless steel fixtures, oak bedroom furniture, oversized chairs and warm color tones.

Notably, one of the units has been redesigned to offer accommodations for patients undergoing radioactive 131-iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. The specially refurbished unit includes the features listed above plus adequate lead shielding materials in walls to aid in containing the energy released from the therapeutic radiation.

The newly renovated Village rooms are well-received by guests, according to Mario Moran, Hope/Parsons Village and Environ-mental Services operation manager. "Demand for the new units is high. Patients always ask for one of the new rooms when they make their reservations."

The next phase of renovations is set to begin this spring.

City of Hope is one of the few medical centers to offer patients and their caregivers a unique form of temporary housing at Hope & Parsons Village. The Village is a 40-unit, studio-style complex offering the conveniences of home, combined with patient care, in a reasonably priced, comfortable setting.