Program offers rides for cancer patients
Submitted by American Cancer Society
Last year, 59 cancer patients from Fox Valley found a free solution to at least one of their problems. Some find the problem so overwhelming they don’t even try to fight their cancer. What could make them give up? They have no way to get to their treatment.
Lack of transportation has become a major problem for thousands of cancer patients. Many patients need daily or weekly treatment, often over a period of months, and they simply have no transportation or are too ill to drive themselves. Family and friends can help, but sometimes it’s just not enough.
Road to Recovery is one of the many volunteer-based patient service programs offered by the American Cancer Society. The program relies on volunteer drivers to take cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments. Because of a lack of volunteers, some cancer patients find themselves either having to scramble to find rides to their lifesaving treatments or else miss their appointments altogether.
“Those 59 patients in Fox Valley needed 1,403 rides last year. We hear from new patients every day. We have a critical need for volunteer drivers, specifically in the McHenry County area and throughout the state. Cancer patients find it particularly difficult to always rely on family and friends to get to and from their treatments,” said Valerie Durachta, patient services representative with the American Cancer Society, Fox Valley Region.
“This is a very flexible volunteer opportunity and it is up to each volunteer to decide how often and how far they wish to drive to help cancer patients in our community. Supporting the American Cancer Society through volunteer service is a very rewarding and productive way of making a personal statement against cancer.”
The requirements include holding a current valid driver’s license, having a safe driving record and proof of insurance. There is an application process and training is provided.
To receive more information about volunteering for Road to Recovery or other volunteer opportunities, call the American Cancer Society at (800) 782-7716.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society or get help, call any time at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.