AML: Gift of Life Transplant House

So, we have spent some time this week looking for lodging.  The people at Mayo don't really offer help for this.  It has been a bit of a challenge figuring out the options which there are many.  

We were directed to the Gift of Life Transplant house early on.  But it was necessary to get a tour before being considered for a room.  Rooms are also based on availability and they can't be reserved more then a few days ahead of time because people come  and go based on their treatment schedules. 

We managed to find a break in our schedule to tour the house today.   They have 2 houses. Both just a few blocks from Mayo and across the street from each other. 

There are a few things about the facility that were causing me to have reservations about staying there.  #1:  No kids under 17.  In the end, this is not a huge issue.  The kids won;t be up too often and when they are I can go to them.  #2: no TVs in the guest rooms.  They say they do this to encourage people to be out and about more, I am guessing it really is about cost savings.  They do have Internet access in each room, so I will have the connectivity I need to keep myself occupied.  That is Xbox Live will work fine. 

We (Mom  I) toured the facilities and it really is a no brainier.  This is the place to stay.  It is only $25 a day and we will be very comfortable.  We were told roughly half the other people staying are there for stem cell transplants like me.

At the end of the tour, I said that we wanted to be on the list.  It actually took a few tries to get the message across that we wanted to be on the list right now.  I guess most probably tour weeks in advance. 

So the big question is availability.  When would I actually be able to get in.  I had been led to believe this could be a problem.  I know there are people sending prayers my way and here is another indication of prayers being answered.  Turns out that they had a room available immediately in their newer house.  They took us over, showed us the room and signed us up.  Lodging issue resolved.  Just like that.    Another huge burden lifted. 

Best part... Even though I will be in the hospital next week, Andy is allowed to stay in my room during that time.  So as of Saturday and for my stay here, our address in Rochester will be:

Gift of Life Transplant House
Attn: Jon Grann,  Room 249
724 Second Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Note:  I can't have flowers or plants...

BIG TIP... I wish someone told me:
If you are looking for lodging here, and there happens to be no availability at the house, they have arrangements with local hotels and will get you a room somewhere until something opens up.   This info was not on their site and was not volunteered when we called and were having trouble making a tour work in our schedule.   I would seriously suggest everyone start here.  They will get you a room and if the arrangements are not to your liking, you can move out any time.