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Navigating through a cancer diagnosis can be challenging for the patient and their loved ones. Learning about cancer treatments and medications and scheduling time for medical appointments is a critical need for patients.

Road to Recovery® is one of the many free programs offered by the American Cancer Society helping cancer patients overcome an obstacle in their personal cancer journey, so they can focus on getting well. The program provides rides to cancer patients to and from their cancer-related treatments, and trained volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles.

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery volunteer Bill Brown enjoys driving patients and getting to know them. “Every patient is different and offers a lot to learn from,” Brown said. “That is the greatest gift I get from the Road to Recovery program.”

The program is offered to people with cancer who have no means of transportation or who are unable to drive themselves. Without a ride, some patients might not be able to follow the treatment plan prescribed by their healthcare team.

The American Cancer Society would like to ensure that every cancer patient who needs a ride gets one, and more volunteers are needed to help meet the requests in the community. “We have many cancer patients in southern Colorado who need a helping hand during this difficult time in their lives,” said Debi Armstrong, American Cancer Society program manager for mission delivery. “By volunteering with this program, people can truly make a difference in the life of someone with cancer.”

American Cancer Society Road to Recovery volunteer drivers provide rides for cancer patients without transportation to and from medical appointments and treatments. Courtesy of the American Cancer Society

John Tarantino