ACS provides a lifeline for cancer patients on Long Island

The American Cancer Society is urgently seeking volunteer drivers for its Road To Recovery program, a vital effort that ensures that cancer patients can access essential treatments by providing free rides facilitated by dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer drivers have the flexibility to donate their time, offering as few or as many rides as they can each month.

Susan Bedell, associate director of community implementation with the American Cancer Society, emphasized the critical role of volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers have the flexibility to donate their time, offering as few or as many rides as they can each month.

“For some cancer patients, getting to and from treatment can be their biggest roadblock,” Bedell said. “In some instances, patients cannot drive themselves for medical reasons, while others may lack the resources or a network of family and friends who can give them a lift. Volunteering as a Road To Recovery driver is a flexible way to support a critical need for cancer patients in our community.”

One grateful recipient of the Road To Recovery program’s support is Martha Leblanc of Freeport, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2022.

Although her daughter, Andrea Colter who lives in Uniondale, could drive her to chemotherapy, her work schedule prevented her from attending her mother’s radiation treatments.

“We are grateful for what the Road To Recovery program did for my mother, but it also helped me as the caregiver, and we can never repay you for what you did for us,” Colter said. “We are just so appreciative.”

Leblanc completed her treatment in April 2023 and spoke fondly of her Road To Recovery volunteer drivers, describing them as “humble and caring” and that they were “these angels are all in my prayers.”

“All of them were powerhouses,” Leblanc said. “They would arrive on time, give me a smile, one even brought me coffee and donuts, and all had that quality that they wanted to answer the call to look outside of themselves.”

Amy Rosen, a volunteer driver was one of Leblanc’s “angels.” She is familiar with the battle against cancer.

“I retired two years ago and was looking for something else to do, I do some other volunteer work and both my parents had cancer, and I started thinking, ‘what does someone do that has no one to drive them to appointments and treatment?’” Rosen said. “Martha was a doll! Such a nice lady and so thankful for the rides. I really liked her.”

To be a volunteer driver for the Road To Recovery program, individuals must complete an application and undergo a screening process through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

ACS mandates that all drivers certify they are fully vaccinated and maintain this status throughout their service. Additionally, volunteer drivers are required to participate in a brief training, possess a clean driving record, hold a current and valid driver’s license, provide proof of adequate automobile insurance, possess access to a safe and reliable vehicle, and be able to schedule their availability online with internet access.

The ACS places a strong emphasis on safety and introduced new guidelines to minimize Covid-19 risks for both patients and volunteer drivers. Enhanced technology has also been implemented to improve the patient and volunteer experience. A new mobile-friendly website streamlines the process for volunteer drivers to view and accept ride requests. Patients can access the program through the mobile-friendly website or an app, allowing them to submit ride requests and receive real-time notifications. For patients without access to technology or those who prefer to connect via phone, they can call 1-800-227-2345 to schedule rides to treatment.

In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates that 123,810 New Yorkers will be diagnosed with cancer, underscoring the continued need for volunteer support.

To learn more about volunteering for the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program or to get involved, please visit Cancer.org/drive. If you are a cancer patient in need of transportation assistance, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.