On the Road to Recovery

Have you ever found yourself without transportation for a couple of hours, or perhaps even a day or so? It’s a hassle and a bit frustrating to rely on others or reschedule meetings. Now, can you imagine not having transportation to a time-sensitive, life-saving medical treatment? The American Cancer Society understands and has been providing free rides for years for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer through their “Road to Recovery” program — and it’s completely driven by volunteers. This essential program has seen significant growth lately, both in patients needing the service and in volunteers providing the transportation. With gas prices and unemployment rising, more cancer patients are requiring assistance to reach critical medical appointments and therapies. Not to mention that more people are being diagnosed with cancer each year — an estimated 3,500 in Kent and Ottawa County this year alone. That’s an increase of over 4 percent. “After the first few rides I provided, I realized how much people depend on us to get them to the treatments that were saving their lives,” explains Sandy Soet, a volunteer driver of over 15 years who also lost her mother to cancer. “The wonderful feeling I got from helping these patients outweighed any residual sadness I had from my own mother’s passing.” Laura Pridgeon, health initiatives coordinator for the American Cancer Society, agrees. “By giving people a ride to treatment, volunteers are providing a service that they simply can’t measure — it is truly lifesaving.” If you would like to be a do-gooder: •    Volunteer to become a “Road to Recovery” driver by calling 1-800-227-2345 •    Learn more about American Cancer Society programs and services at their website •    Make a donation to support the “Road to Recovery” program here Source: Emily Coyle, American Cancer Society Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor