An estimated 32,510 Arizona residents will learn they have cancer this year. To ensure patients get to the critical care they need without additional stress, the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program can help provide free transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.
“Every driver has what it takes to save lives,” said Monica Escalante, mission delivery manager for the American Cancer Society. “We’re urgently asking drivers to donate their passenger seat and volunteer to take cancer patients to treatment.”
Many cancer patients don’t own a vehicle, can’t afford the extra gasoline, or don’t have access to public transportation. Some patients may be elderly and unable to drive, too ill to drive, or have no family members or friends who are able to provide regular assistance with transportation. Even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.
Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so patients can receive the cancer-related treatments they need. Drivers also provide encouragement and support. To volunteer, you must have a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and have a good driving history. They arrange their own schedules and can commit as many or as few hours as their schedule allows.
The American Cancer Society provides free training to drivers and conducts criminal background and driving record checks.
Volunteer coordinators also are needed and help schedule the requested rides. Coordinators can work from any location that is convenient for them. Great organization and communication skills can make a major impact on the well-being of cancer patients in the community.
For information about the Road To Recovery program and other Society programs and services, call 1-800-227-2345, or visit www.cancer.org.
