An American Cancer Society (ACS) patient died from complications of contracting Legionnaires’ disease at the ACS’ Hope Lodge in Manhattan in May 2015, according to a lawsuit filed in March. The patient was one of four who took ill with the disease while staying at the housing facility, numerous news sources reported.
Joan Pedersen, 62, had to stop being treated for brain cancer because of the Legionnaires’ disease, which weakened her and prevented her from continuing radiation and chemotherapy treatment. She recovered from the Legionnaires’ disease, but subsequently succumbed to the cancer in May 2015.
According to the lawsuit, the ACS “refused” to install a long-term water-disinfection system for its water supply for months after the Department of Health recommended it do so in late 2015. The ACS finally installed the system in April 2016.
The Hope Lodge provides free housing for cancer patients and their families, who must travel for treatment. There are 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.