Deb Corsetti of Rockfall Recognized for Volunteer Work

More than 50 volunteers and American Cancer Society staff attended the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Driver Breakfast on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the American Cancer Society Office in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.  This annual event recognizes the time and resources that volunteers provide to ensure cancer patients get to and from their treatment.

More than 12,000 rides have been provided to Connecticut residents in the last year, according to Zana Baruch, Area Director of Health Initatives.  “If it weren’t for you, we collectively wouldn’t be able to get cancer patients to where they need to be,” said Baruch to an applauding audience.  “From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you.”

Sadly, Baruch reported grim data about rides to treatment that the Society was not able to give to needy patients due to lack of volunteer drivers. “The largest volume of patient requests for transportation occurs in Hartford, Enfield and West Hartford,” she says.  While the need for individuals to drive patients exists throughout the entire state of Connecticut, the greatest need for volunteers is in Hartford, Enfield and West Hartford.

Volunteer requirements for this opportunity to give cancer patients a lift, literally, include having a car, safe driving skills, and at least one free morning or afternoon a month.  Assistance is greatly needed during the months of January, February, March and April.

Road to Recovery is a volunteer-based program dedicated to aid cancer patients in their need of transportation to and from their life-saving medical appointments.  Many cancer patients are without means of transportation or do not have the strength to get there on their own.  The American Cancer Society aims to show cancer patients that they do not have to go it alone.

To learn more about Road to Recovery in Connecticut, contact Juana Adams at 203-379-4831 or juana.adams@cancer.org.