Olympic Gymnast Shannon Miller Shares Her Story At Cancer Survivors Celebration Hosted By Extended Stay America® And The American Cancer Society®

Extended Stay America hosted 10 families for a celebration showing that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and rewarding. The American Cancer Society and ESA went for the gold, providing families a fun-filled two days in the Big Apple. Event highlights included a special keynote presentation by Shannon Miller -- the most decorated gymnast in American history, successful businesswoman and cancer survivor. During the event, Shannon motivated and inspired guests with her powerful testimony, including how she tapped into the gold medal mindset to beat cancer.

"As a hospitality provider, we believe it's our mission to help take care of people who are building a better life for themselves and their family. Hotel Keys of Hope^SM allows us to extend what we do best to people who really need our help batting cancer," said Tom Seddon, chief marketing officer at Extended Stay America. Upon learning that the cost of lodging is among the greatest barriers keeping cancer patients from receiving potentially lifesaving treatment, Extended Stay America joined the fight against cancer. "We want to do our part to support efforts like the Moonshot initiative, to bring about a renewed surge against the disease. For Extended Stay America this is about more than a donation, it is about providing families affected by cancer peace of mind so that they may focus on getting well and embracing life rather than worrying about mounting expenses. Through celebrations like this, we honor those who have fought the battle, rejoice in their success and recognize the ongoing need for a program like Hotel Keys of Hope."

This celebration of survivorship comes at an exceptionally relevant time, as the inaugural Moonshot Summit, an initiative to eradicate cancer, led by Vice President Joe Biden, begins this week in Washington, D.C.

"While this incredible initiative brings a future promise of eradicating cancer as a major health problem, those who face a present-day cancer diagnosis are finding it easier to travel to their potentially lifesaving treatment thanks to the generosity of Extended Stay America and its Hotel Keys of Hope^SM program," said Gary Reedy, chief executive officer, American Cancer Society. "On behalf of those who reach out to us with a lodging need, the American Cancer Society is grateful for the outstanding hospitality provided by Extended Stay America and its kind and helpful associates."

Extended Stay America's philanthropic efforts to elevate corporate giving with a program for those battling a cancer diagnosis began with its front line—the brand's more than 8,500 employees. In response to a company survey to uncover sentiment toward a philanthropic foundation, the American Cancer Society rose ahead of all other causes, as cancer unfortunately touches the lives of millions.

Gary Crowell, a general manager from Scarborough, ME, reflects on his emotional past with cancer. He said, "I have personally suffered the loss of three siblings and one parent to cancer. During our family's battle with this illness, there were many nights that we wished we had known of such a program to ease the financial burden associated with getting treatments. Not having to think about where they would stay and how they would pay for it would have been an answer to a prayer. It is a small way that ESA can help and I am fortunate to be on the front lines of helping make our home their home away from home."

Extended Stay America provides the comforts and conveniences of home complete with kitchens in each hotel room for patients to store and cook the foods they enjoy, on-site laundry centers and flat-screen TVs with premium channels to unwind with favorite shows. In-room free Wi-Fi access allows patients to stay connected with loved ones while away from home, daily Grab and Go Breakfast provides a quick and healthy way to start the day and pet-friendly accommodations allow beloved pets to provide healing comfort.

To join Extended Stay America and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer, visit ExtendedStayAmerica.com or call 800-804-3724. For information about American Cancer Society programs and services, including the lodging program, please visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

About Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America, Inc., the largest owner/operator of company-branded hotels in North America, owns and operates 629 hotels in the U.S. and Canada comprising approximately 69,400 rooms and employs over 8,500 employees at its hotel properties and headquarters. The Company's core brand, Extended Stay America®, serves the mid-priced extended stay segment. Visit www.extendedstay.com for more information about the Company and its services.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 26 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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SOURCE Extended Stay America

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