The National Mesothelioma Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting mesothelioma patients and their families. We provide information and help for those undergoing treatment for this disease. Our board of directors.

NMF Patient Services

Whenever traveling or staying at a hotel while seeking evaluation or treatment at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, always ask for the “medical rate”. The National Mesothelioma Foundation strives to assist needy patients seeking treatment at M. D. Anderson. For information on our programs to assist needy patients, please call us toll free at 1-877-677-6376.

Travel to Houston

You may use the information on this page to arrange your stay or contact M. D. Anderson’s Patient Travel Services, which is a fee based travel agency with access to some airline discounts. Patient Travel can be telephoned toll free at 1-888-848-9992.

Air Travel

Houston has two major airports, Bush Intercontinental (25 miles north of M. D. Anderson) and Hobby Airport (13 miles south). When calling any airline airline, always ask for their “medical rate”.

From time to time, the following extraordinary specials may be available to patients and their families.

Continental Meeting Works – once you have a patient number through M. D. Anderson, this program allows you to get very deep discounts on airfare for travel to and from Houston. Call 1-800-468-7022 for additional information and restrictions.
Delta Airline Skywish – this program run by the United Way offers up to two tickets for someone traveling to a health care facility for treatment of a life-threatening illness. Book early in the month, as there are only a limited number of tickets available. For further information, call 1-800-892-2757 (ext. 285) or click here for SkyWish

A few organizations arrange free flights with private pilots to Houston for patients seeking treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Air Care Alliance – an alliance of several charitable air carriers across the United Sates: toll free 1- 888-260-9707 or click AirCareAll
AirLifeLine – coordinates free air transportation for people in need: toll free 1-877-247-5433 or click AirLifeLine
Angel Flight South Central – coordinate free air transportation for people in need: (972) 458-0700 or click AngelFlights
Corporate Angel – arranges free air travel for cancer patients traveling to treatment using the empty seats on corporate jets: toll free 1-866-328-1313 or click Corporate Angel Network

Bus

A Greyhound bus station is located near downtown Houston at 2121 Main Street. You many make reservations through the Greyhound website or call 1-800-229-9424. Discounts may be available for seniors (62 and older), active military, veteran, student, and advanced reservations.

Amtrak

The Amtrak train station is located in downtown Houston at 902 Washington Avenue. For Amtrak reservations are available online at Amtrak website or by calling 1-800-872-7245. When booking, be sure to indicate that you are traveling for cancer treatment and that a mobility discount may apply. Senior (62 and older) and AAA discounts may also be available.

Car

Houston is located at the intersection of two interstate highways (I-10 and I-45). By automobile, it is approximately 7 hours south of Oklahoma City, 5 hours east of Corpus Christi, TX and 7 hours west of Mobile, AL.

Lodging

There are several hotels, motels, apartments, and RV parks within a few miles of M. D. Anderson. Whenever reserving any type of accommodation for a patient or family member, be sure to ask for the “medical rate”.

Apartments, Hostels, Hotels and Motels, and RV and Trailer Parks are listed on M. D. Anderson’s Houston Highlights web page.
The Church Apartment Ministry generally has a waiting list for very inexpensive lodging near M. D. Anderson. Be certain to call ahead: (713) 529-4167.
When funds are available, NMF will provide for hotel lodging for needy patients or close family member during evaluation or treatment.

Getting Around Town

Free shuttles service is offered many hotels.
Taxi, bus, and airport shuttle information is available at M. D. Anderson’s Buses and other Transportation web page.
Road to Recovery is an American Cancer Society service program that provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again. Transportation is provided according to the needs and available resources in the community. In Houston, call (713) 266-2877. Outside Houston, call 1-800-ACS-2345

Patient Services at M. D. Anderson

M. D. Anderson has an extensive patient services and amenities on site. These service range from spiritual support and emotional assistance to travel and childcare. For more information, go to the patient services link at the M. D. Anderson website: Patient Services at M. D. Anderson