“HFFF is making wonderful things happen for kids and adults going through what is probably the most difficult struggle they will ever face.” —Social Worker, Beth Israel Medical Center

Virtually every American family has been affected by cancer. One out of three people in the United States will get cancer, and in certain areas the statistics are even higher. Cancer does not discriminate by social standing, ethnicity or sex, and sadly many children are affected as well.

“Your assistance has reduced the stress experienced by our patients and their families, and has eased their financial burden.” —Social Worker, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

The HFFF program is designed to help families of pediatric cancer patients come to NYC to obtain the best possible care. We help to alleviate one part of the cancer-care ordeal by providing a complimentary, New York City hotel room where family and friends may rest, relax and have a good night's sleep.

HFFF cares about the health and well-being of the family and friends of pediatric cancer patients, as well as about the patients themselves. We know that decreased stress and the support of loved ones greatly increases a patient’s chances of recovery. And when children must remain in the city for prolonged treatment, visits from family and friends bring great joy, promote well-being, and speed the psychological as well as the physical healing process.

“…you made us feel like there are people in this world that give a helping
hand to others.” — Mother of Cancer Patient

HFFF was founded as a not-for-profit organization in 1999 by Herman Kotler, a New York entrepreneur who survived an arduous bout with cancer. While undergoing treatment, Mr. Kotler encountered many patients who could not afford to have loved ones with them in New York City. As a longtime veteran of the hospitality industry, Mr. Kotler decided to create HFFF and change this painful predicament. More than 25 years later, he remains actively involved as Chairman of the Board.

Since its founding, HFFF has worked with grateful patients and families and dozens of NYC hotels. The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) is among our enthusiastic supporters. Our hotel partners, who generously furnish unused rooms, are never operationally inconvenienced or burdened. We also work with cancer center social workers, who determine financial need and connect patients and families with our services. We now seek to expand our successful model to help many more families.

"When you see a child looking frail from chemotherapy and wearing a wig, it has a big impact," said the VP of a major NYC hotel. "Helping to ease the weight of the family's ordeal, if only for a night or two, is such a good feeling."