Local drivers feted for helping cancer patients

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Every day, cancer patients need help getting to and from their life-saving cancer treatment. Last week, the American Cancer Society recognized volunteer drivers from Coweta and Fayette Counties who donate their time and vehicles to drive patients to and from their cancer treatment.

“There are so many cancer patients in our community who need help with transportation to cancer treatment,” says Emily Stastny, volunteer driver coordinator for the American Cancer Society in Fayette and Coweta Counties. “If patients cannot get to treatment on a regular basis, their chances for surviving cancer are greatly diminished. You can help save lives by becoming a volunteer driver with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program.”

Many cancer patients in this area do not own a vehicle, cannot afford bus fare, or do not live where public transportation is available to them. Some patients are elderly and unable to drive and have no family members or friends to provide regular assistance with transportation. Without access to reliable transportation, cancer patients are often unable to get regular treatment.

The American Cancer Society provides free training to volunteer drivers. Requirements for volunteering for Road to Recovery include a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a vehicle that is in good working condition. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older. The society conducts criminal background and DMV checks on drivers who apply for Road To Recovery.

For more information on becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer, call 770- 632-6936 or email nikki.adams@cancer.org.