Needs & Deeds: American Cancer Society urgently needs volunteer drivers

The American Cancer Society launched a national recruitment campaign last week for its Road to Recovery program that provides cancer patients a ride to and from treatment free of charge. The initiative is in response to an urgent need for drivers nationwide.

Locally, the organization's volunteer drivers are vital to those who have no other way to receive lifesaving therapies, said Jennifer Redman, ACS program manager for mission delivery in Oklahoma.

“Transportation is consistently named as one of the top nonmedical needs of cancer patients,” Redman said. “Simply put, if cancer patients cannot get to their treatment appointments, their likelihood of survival is compromised. By ensuring that patients complete their treatment, we are able to increase the number of cancer survivors.”

In Oklahoma, surveys indicate the need is greater than in other states.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa consistently are ranked as two of the top cities in need of the Road to Recovery program with an average of 5,440 cancer patients — 3,696 in Oklahoma City — traveling more than 40 miles to cities for treatment each year. In addition to transportation, many of these patients also will need hotel or lodging assistance, which the ACS also provides, Redman said.

“In 2017, the society provided more than 4,000 rides to 212 cancer patients in Oklahoma. However, if more resources and drivers had been available, we could have fulfilled an additional 1,293 requested patient rides,” Redman said.

‘Rewarding' experience

Larry Hardin, 78, has volunteered for the Road to Recovery since 2016. After providing 250 rides to Oklahomans afflicted with cancer, he says he has received much more than he has given through the volunteer program.

“This is not just a privilege for me, it's an obligation now,” Hardin said. “I've had patients ask me, ‘Why are you doing this.?' I couldn't give them an answer. It feels like something I need to do. It's been so rewarding. I'm not going to give it up until I have to.”

Currently, Hardin is making a 250-mile round trip every day from Seminole to Oklahoma City to get a cancer patient to treatment.

“I have people I drive regularly. Also, if I can manage … I'll take two in one day,” he said. “I went into this thinking I would have to use my own vehicle. When I found out there were company vehicles, I didn't limit myself.”

Road to volunteering

Those who wish to volunteer should have a driver's license and insurance, a good driving record and access to a computer. The American Cancer Society will provide a training course and conduct a background check, which must be completed before volunteering. Vehicles and fuel are provided.

For more information on the American Cancer Society and its Road to Recovery program, go to www.cancer.org and click on the “Get Involved” tab, or call 841-5800.