American Cancer Society Needs Road to Recovery Volunteer Drivers

[Editor's note: The following information derives from an American Cancer Society press statement.]

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery is a free program that provides local cancer patients with transportation to and from their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments; volunteer drivers donate their time and use of their cars so patients can receive their lifesaving treatments. The schedule for volunteers is flexible, treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. 

Hallmark Health System is hosting two special trainings for community members interested in becoming Road to Recovery volunteer drivers on Aug. 8 from 10-11 a.m. and Aug. 14, 1–2 p.m. at the Hallmark Health System , 41 Montvale Ave. Registration is required. To register, contact Leigh Dennington by calling 781-314-2632 or emailing her at leigh.dennington@cancer.org. 

An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge. The American Cancer Society provided more than 11,000 rides to cancer patients in Massachusetts in 2011, but currently needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation. 

“Due to the increasing amount of transportation requests, we have a genuine need for Road to Recovery drivers,” said Leigh Dennington, community executive for Health Initiatives with the American Cancer Society. “We are hopeful local residents will attend the special training session, generously hosted by Hallmark Health System, and support this valuable program by volunteering their time to help increase the number of rides we are able to provide to patients in need.” 

“Road to Recovery is a great service to provide, because transportation is a concern for many patients who are not well enough to drive on their own. Many do not have family members that are able to assist them, which leaves patients with additional stress and worry about getting to their treatments,” said Kathi Whittier, MSW, LICSW, a clinical social worker at the Hallmark Health System Hematology and Oncology Center, in the statement. “Road to Recovery also provides a nice personal touch when someone is volunteering their time to help another person in need of assistance.” 

You too can make a difference in the fight against cancer by becoming a driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery. For more information or to register for the training, contact Leigh Dennington at 781-314-2632, leigh.dennington@cancer.org or visit the American Cancer Society website.