Dealing with a critical illness, whether one's own or that of a loved one, is a load to bear in itself. Add to that the financial obligations, both medical and non-medical, that always accompany a critical illness. One quickly feels overwhelmed by the demands made upon one's resources.

This is especially true for many who come to the The Texas Medical Center which offers some of the best medial care available anywhere in the world. People come to Houston from every part of the globe hoping to return home sound in body and mind. For some, the trip is affordable, but for others it is not. In fact, many do not make the trip to Houston simply because the expense of staying in a hotel, eating out, paying for parking and numerous other hidden expenses are beyond their means. Some come to Houston in spite of the unknown expenses and get by as best they can. Even if that means they have to sleep in the waiting room of the hospital or in the back seat of their car.

Lifeline Chaplaincy's Compassionate Touch Program seeks to ease this burden by providing for some of the non-medical financial needs of patients and their care givers. For example, Lifeline has contracted with three hotels near the Medical Center and has secured special medical reduced rates for patients and/or their families. In most cases, this rate is substantially reduced from less than their customary rate.