More than a meal: A recipe for compassion
Home builder Taylor Morrison's heart-warming gift of care to the community they built
10/1/2025
Recently, a team of 12 volunteers from Taylor Morrison demonstrated the true spirit of community when they prepared a special lunch for residents of the Home Away From Home cancer patient housing community. Their tasty menu hit all the right crowd-pleasing notes: hearty beef lasagna, flavorful green chile enchiladas, fresh salads, warm garlic bread, and homemade cookies for dessert.
But the Taylor Morrison team didn't stop at providing delicious food. Understanding that healing extends beyond nutrition, they thoughtfully prepared wellness gift baskets for each patient, filled with comfort items like cozy socks, soothing lotion, calming tea and ginger candies. Every detail was carefully considered to bring warmth and care to those navigating their cancer journey.
"We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer and the overwhelm associated with it," shared Taylor Morrison team member Tiffany Bishop. "Preparing meals for these patients and their caregivers was so meaningful to us—it's more than food; it's comfort and care in a difficult time. Leaving them with a cozy gift basket and heartfelt note reminds us that even small gestures of kindness can carry immense healing power. Knowing we could bring a little light and support to their journey fills us with gratitude and purpose."
A Dream Became Reality
In June 2024, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Banner Health Foundation and Taylor Morrison celebrated a milestone moment when, together, the organizations cut the ceremonial ribbon and welcomed the first patients into this revolutionary housing community. Located within walking distance of Banner MD Anderson in Gilbert, Arizona, these homes eliminate the financial burden of travel and hotel stays for approximately 80 patients and their care partners who travel to the Valley for cancer care each year.
"Despite advancements in cancer technology, true healing occurs at home," explained Matthew Callister, MD, senior physician executive for Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These homes provide comfort, safety and hope for vulnerable patients on their cancer journey, serving as a sanctuary away from their home communities."
The Home Away From Home program addresses a significant barrier to cancer care. While many patients can manage short hotel stays, few are prepared for the financial impact of long-term lodging, especially when treatment protocols require weeks or months of daily therapy or close post-surgical monitoring. For many families, having access to affordable local housing can mean the difference between receiving life-saving treatment or going without care.
This need is particularly acute for patients undergoing stem-cell transplants, who must remain within 30 minutes of the facility to qualify for their procedure and for essential post-operative monitoring. Blood cancer patients receiving daily treatments for extended periods also benefit.
Led by committed community leaders, the Home Away from Home fundraising campaign began in 2019 with a clear mission: support out-of-town cancer patients whose treatment spans 30 or more days and who lack local housing options. What started as a vision has now become a tangible source of hope and healing for families during their most challenging times.
The generosity of partners like Taylor Morrison—who not only built, furnished, and donated these homes but continue to show up with meals, gifts, and heartfelt support—exemplifies the power of community collaboration in healthcare.
“Knowing we could bring a little light and support to these patients and families on their journey fills us with gratitude and purpose,” Bishop explains.
