The Lazarus House is a 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization that provides a complete, low cost program of wellness in a comfortable, nonclinical environment for chronically ill clients suffering from disease related wasting syndrome or cachexia. Cachexia ( pronounced kah-keck-see-a ) is a weight loss condition and negative nitrogen balance occurring in people with illnesses such as cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, HIV, muscular dystrophy, and other chronic diseases. Characterized by anorexia, weight loss and muscle wasting, cachexia robs clients of their energy, sense of well being, quality of life, and their ability to live independently which presents major challenges for clients, physicians and loved ones.