Give A Cancer Patient a Lift This Winter

As winter weather approaches, the American Cancer Society believes cancer patients in Middlesex County may be at risk of missing medical care.

“In order for cancer patients to get well it is imperative that they follow a treatment regimen which often occurs at nearby cancer centers,” says Michelle Wolf, Connecticut Vice President of Health Initiatives for the American Cancer Society.  “The dilemma we are currently experiencing is that patients lack the transportation necessary to get to the treatment."

The Middlesex County communities in the greatest need for volunteer drivers are Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, Essex, Killingworth and Middletown.

The correlation between transportation and missing treatment varies. For some there is a fear of driving on slick roads and the hazards of braving Connecticut’s winter weather. For those with limited mobility or energy, driving simply isn’t an option. Some treatments will not allow for operating machinery, including a motor vehicle.  Some patients do not have family members they can rely for support or simply a lack of transportation is available.

The American Cancer Society is there to help coordinate free rides to treatment through the Road to Recovery program. The program is implemented by a committed group of individuals that drive patients to nearby treatment centers to get the care they need.

According to Wolf, while more than 13,000 rides were given in the last year, many volunteer drivers in the state have headed south for the cold weather months, leaving a need for more drivers to help patients get to treatment.

How You Can Help

The American Cancer Society is actively recruiting volunteers to help drive patients now through March. "If you have a car, and even one hour once a month, you can make a real difference in someone's life by becoming a driver," says Wolf.

Volunteer drivers receive simple training and an orientation from the American Cancer Society, and are asked to volunteer for at least one hour, one day, once a month. The Society matches drivers' availability with the needs of patients who call.

"Some volunteers say driving patients is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,” adds Wolf. "Sometimes a driver will have the opportunity to bring the same patient several times, get to know them, and be able to offer support and really make a difference."

Residents who are interested in volunteering or know of someone who may benefit from this free service is asked to call 1-800-227-2345.