One of the toughest challenges cancer patients face is getting to and from treatment. Many patients don’t own a vehicle, can’t afford gas, or don’t have access to public transportation. Some may be elderly and unable to drive, too ill to drive, or have no family members or friends who can help with all their transportation needs.
Without access to reliable transportation, cancer patients are unable to get regular treatment. And even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.
Every driver has what it takes to save lives. The American Cancer Society is urgently seeking volunteer drivers willing to donate their passenger seat to transport cancer patients to their cancer-related treatment through the Road To Recovery program.
To volunteer, you need a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a good driving record. The Society conducts criminal background and driving record checks on all drivers and provides free training.
As a Road To Recovery volunteer in Fayette and Coweta counties, I can attest that the patients aren’t the only ones to benefit from this program.
It’s a great feeling to know that I’m literally giving someone a ride that is helping to save their life. And as a cancer survivor myself, I understand the stress that dealing with a cancer diagnosis can have on a person.
My cancer was diagnosed at a routine mammogram in 2014. I was lucky enough to have family to help get me to and from doctor appointments and I was able to drive myself to radiation treatments after working all day.
However, many patients have working family members who cannot take time off work for the multitude of appointments and are unable to drive themselves because of the toll the treatments take on them physically.
Dealing with cancer is hard enough – a person shouldn’t have to worry about transportation to a doctor’s appointment or a life-saving treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.
For more information on volunteering, please call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/roadtorecovery.
Tina Marsh
Road to Recovery Volunteer Driver & Coordinator for Coweta & Fayette counties
Newnan, Ga.
