Volunteer drivers needed for American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program

Many Pennsylvania residents will learn they have cancer this year, and getting to their scheduled treatment will be their greatest concern.

The American Cancer Society's volunteer program Road to Recovery provides free transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who don't have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Patients should call 1-800-227-2345 to register for this program.

Road to Recovery currently needs volunteer drivers across northeastern Pennsylvania, especially in Wayne and Pike counties. Drivers are especially needed in Bushkill, Milford, and Shohola. They are also needed in Honesdale, Hawley, and Waymart and surrounding cities.

Many volunteer drivers do the work to honor a person diagnosed with cancer. They can drive locally, in the county where they live, or longer distances across county lines.

Volunteer drivers arrange their own schedules and can commit to as many or as few hours as their schedule allows. Rides are provided during the week from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the lifesaving treatments they need. They also provide encouragement and support.

Nancy Vignau, the program's coordinator in Pike and Wayne counties, tells of a driver who has said, "This is the most rewarding thing I do. The value it has given me is much more than I give."

The program is also recruiting volunteer coordinators with computer and internet access to schedule patient rides. Also needed are volunteer driver recruiters, to help recruit retirees, folks who work part-time, homemakers, caregivers, and cancer survivors to encourage them to become volunteer drivers with this special program.

For more information about the Road to Recovery program and other American Cancer Society programs and services, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.