The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program helps cancer patients get to and from doctor's appointments, and they need volunteer drivers in the area to help out.
Across the U.S., more than 40 percent of patient requests can't be met because of a lack of volunteers. So ACS is asking locals to donate their time by giving rides.
"We provide free rides for treatment when they're going to chemotherapy or they're going to radiation, and we just want to be sure that they find a good way to get the transportation and the help that they need when they need it," said American Cancer Society Mission Delivery Program Manager Maribel Palacios.
ACS says treatment often leaves people feeling tired, disoriented, or unsafe to drive afterwards, and can feel like a burden asking others for help.
"They may need to come to their cancer treatment center, like here at Orange Regional, five times a week for many, many weeks. And even with a pool of friends and family nearby, it's very hard to get rides back and forth all the time," said American Cancer Society Communications Director Patti Lestrange Mack. "That's why the Americian Cancer Society is helping patients get where they need to go."
All drivers must have:
- A current, valid driver’s license
- A good driving record
- Access to a safe and reliable vehicle
- Regular desktop, laptop, or tablet computer access
- Proof of car insurance
The organization screens and trains all volunteer drivers, and coordinates the rides for patients. Volunteer drivers can provide as many rides as they want on a schedule that works for them. With more volunteers, they can get more community members safely to and from treatment.