Jack’s Place Offers Comforting Stays for Patients

Since 2007, hundreds of Yampa Valley residents have taken advantage of the respite offered through inexpensive overnight stays at Jack’s Place when they travel for care at Shaw Cancer Center. For many, it has made a difficult time a little easier and leaving a lasting impression.

“Everyone in Steamboat who I talked to before I went keep saying how wonderful it was,” said Steamboat Springs resident and artist Sue Oehme, who stayed at Jack’s Place about 20 nights while battling breast cancer. “It really is a lovely place. They do an incredible job to make you feel as at home as possible while you are going through it.”

For a suggested donation of just $25 per night, cancer patients and their caregivers can stay at the small 12-room lodge while receiving treatment at Shaw Cancer Center, the closest facility to Routt County offering radiation oncology services. In 2025 alone, 88 people from Routt County and 18 people from Moffat County used the resource. Beyond lodging, guests have access to a full communal kitchen, on-site yoga, massage services, and pet therapy through the Spirit of Survival program, as well as separate afternoon classes like Qigong and Tibetan sound bowl therapy.

“Jack’s Place contributes to our care team’s goal of treating the ‘whole person’ by addressing patient housing, an important practical aspect of care,” said Sally Welsh, Vail Health director of public relations. “Jack’s Place eliminates a barrier to cancer care by allowing patients from Routt County to focus on their healing. It provides patients — and their caregivers — tranquil lodging to conquer illness in a comfortable home-away-from home.”

Jack’s Place is supported by the Vail Health Foundation and is named after Dr. Jack Eck, a longtime Vail-area physician. Those interested in learning more can call 970-569-7644 or email JacksPlace@VailHealth.org.