American Cancer Society – Volunteer drivers needed to transport cancer patients

The American Cancer Society is inviting every man and woman in our community to give someone the ride of their life by becoming a driver for its Road to Recovery program. This unique program is designed to provide transportation for area cancer patients to and from their medical appointments or cancer treatments. For more information, call 1.800.227.2345.

Because of the increasing number of requests for rides from area cancer patients, the American Cancer Society is currently seeking additional volunteer drivers for the program.

Road to Recovery volunteer drivers offer both their time and vehicles to the cancer patients, many of whom have no other means of getting to their lifesaving treatments and appointments. Every cancer patient has unique needs and many require daily or weekly treatments over the course of several months. The American Cancer Society considers its volunteer drivers to be essential members of each patient’s medical team.

Cyril Faulkner, a volunteer for the program, says being a driver for the American Cancer Society has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. “I like to drive the same patient through their entire treatment so I get to really know the patient,” says Faulkner. “Being a cancer survivor myself gives me some understanding of what a patient is going through and I feel I can give them encouragement.”

Claudia Hatley, a cancer patient who is a beneficiary of Cyril Faulkner’s generosity, says she and her family appreciate the program. “The stress that it has relieved has been tremendous,” she says. “I haven’t had to worry about receiving my radiation treatments in which I believe has alleviated any blocks to the healing process. My husband and I are extremely grateful to the American Cancer Society and Cyril Faulkner for his unconditional giving of time and himself in making this program a success.”

Because the transportation program is so important in our community, the American Cancer Society maintains specific standards for its drivers.

To be a Road to Recovery driver, a person must have the following:

• Current, valid driver’s license issued by the state in which they reside.

• Good driving record, which will be verified by the DMV.

• Access to a safe and reliable vehicle.

• Maintain sufficient limits of automobile liability insurance for their personal vehicle.

• Must be in good health.

• Must complete the volunteer driver’s application and attend a training/orientation.

American Cancer Society staff and volunteer coordinators manage the program from initial recruitment, screening and training of the volunteers to scheduling the drivers and the patient pickups.

Road to Recovery volunteers are free to choose a schedule that works best for them.

For more information about serving as an American Cancer Society Road to Recovery driver, to learn more about the program or other volunteer opportunities, call toll-free 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org, 24 hours a day. To sign up as a Road volunteer, visit: http://relay.acsevents.org/site/PageNavigator/RFL_GW_RTR_TEMPLATE.html.

The American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and encourage communities worldwide to join the fight. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.