There is enough negative information following a cancer diagnosis that it is important to remember the positive aspects of the experience as well. And for me, this was one of them.
Two years ago, after owning a vehicle continuously for almost 40 years, I sold my car. I did it as part of an effort to simplify my life and exercise more. I have since adapted to not having personal transportation and rarely miss it.
But one of those rare times happened last week, when I needed to get to an oncologist appointment 15 miles away from my home and not accessible by public transportation.
Cancer has strained my finances, as I live on a limited budget and must deal with copays for specialist visits, imaging, medication and other expenses.
I had heard that the American Cancer Society can provide rides to cancer appointments, and after a quick internet search I found the page for their Road to Recovery program.
Road to Recovery is a service for cancer patients who need a ride to and from an oncology appointment. Volunteers sign up to provide rides, and when someone requests a ride, they try to match that person with a volunteer driver.
If they cannot find a volunteer to provide the ride, if the zip codes of your home and physician’s office are within the service area, they will arrange for a rideshare (Uber or Lyft) vehicle from your home to the doctor’s office and back. Rideshares are provided by Ride Health.
I registered with the Road to Recovery program and called three days before my appointment (they need at least three business days’ notice).
The American Cancer Society called me the day before my appointment to let me know that a volunteer was not available, but they had coordinated rides to and from my appointment with Ride Health.
The next morning, a very nice rideshare driver picked me up and got me to the appointment on time. And after the appointment I contacted them again by responding to a text message and in minutes another friendly driver had arrived to take me home.
Both rides were great, and I am extremely grateful for the assistance. It meant a lot to me, and I consider the American Cancer Society to be a valued member of my care support team.
If you could use ride assistance to a cancer-related appointment, call the ACS to learn more about their Road to Recovery program.
Even if you do not need transportation but have questions about cancer, call the number below and they can answer your questions and provide links to related information.
You may also want to call them to volunteer to be a driver or donate.
Be well.
ACS Road to Recovery Website
Phone: (800) 227-2345