Patrick Kern of Rochester knows firsthand
how hard it can be for cancer patients to find transportation to and from their
appointments. For eleven years, until her death in 2012, Kern was the caregiver
for his wife, Elizabeth, who fought a long battle with breast cancer.
“Elizabeth and I used to wonder during our trips to her
appointments how people who are alone manage this,” Kern commented. “I was her
caregiver and her main source of transportation to and from her many doctor and
hospital visits.”
Transportation is one of the main barriers cancer
patients face to receiving treatment. This is why the American Cancer Society
created the Road To Recovery® volunteer program – in order to provide cancer
patients with free rides to treatment.
“Inevitably, when I pick up a cancer patient for the
first time, they ask me if I am a survivor, thinking that is why I volunteer to
drive. I then tell them about Elizabeth,” Kern added.
After pausing the Road To Recovery® program due to public
health concerns during the COVID pandemic, the American Cancer Society is now
set to relaunch it in select areas throughout the country. Volunteerdrivers are currently needed to support the effort in the
New York counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Albany, Saratoga, Orange, Greene,
Ulster, and Washington.
Kern noted, “My favorite part of being a driver, without
a doubt, is the real bond I have been able to make with many of the patients I
have driven. They are such wonderful people and have become much more than some
random patients.”
People wishing to become drivers for the Road To Recovery® program must possess a current and valid driver’s license, have a good driving
record, show proof of adequate automotive insurance, have access to a safe and
reliable vehicle, and the ability to access the internet to schedule
availability and secure rides.
“We all need to do a better job making the public aware
of the many people fighting cancer who – for a number of reasons – find it very
difficult to get to and from their doctor and treatment appointments. And, we
need to educate more retired people, like me, on how rewarding it is to
volunteer for the Road To Recovery® program,” stated Kern.
To learn more about volunteering for the American Cancer
Society Road To Recovery® program, visit cancer.org/drive. If you are a cancer
patient needing transportation assistance, contact the American Cancer Society
at 800-227-2345.
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