Would you drive a mile to save a life?

Today's cancer treatments work better than ever. But they can’t work if patients are unable to get to their treatment centers. Family members may not be close by and patients are often unable to drive themselves to and from their appointments because of treatment side effects, such as nausea and fatigue. Without a ride, patients may miss these life-saving treatments they need to fight the disease. With a high demand for rides across all of Rhode Island, the Society has a critical need for local volunteers who can donate both their time and the use of their personal vehicle to drive patients to and from treatment. As Road to Recovery volunteers, drivers tell us what times are best for them, and their availability is matched with the needs of patients who call requesting transportation.

Volunteer drivers make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, whether it’s once a month or twice a week. Many patients have appointments over a span of weeks and needed multiple rides. Volunteers may have the opportunity to bring the same patient several times and get to know them personally, making it a very rewarding experience.

For more information, or to volunteer as a Road to Recovery driver, contact Pat Dillon at your American Cancer Society at 243-2653, via email at pat.dillon@cancer.org or Veronique Pereira at 243-2649, via email at veronique.pereira@cancer.org.