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ACS driven to find transportation for cancer patients
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SAVANNAH — People in Effingham County can help local cancer patients get the treatment they need, simply by offering them a ride.


The American Cancer Society has launched “Drive to Finish the Fight” to recruit more volunteers to provide free transportation to and from treatment for cancer patients through its Road to Recovery program. As part of its 100th birthday activities, the ACS is seeking to enroll 100 new drivers in 100 days.


“Every day, cancer patients need rides to treatment, but some may not have a way to get there,” said Amy Riesinger, ACS regional mission delivery director. “The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and do not have a ride to treatment. We urge Georgia residents to volunteer for this important program.”


The American Cancer Society provides free training to volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. Road to Recovery volunteers must have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a vehicle that is in good working condition. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and pass criminal background and DMV checks.


“As a caregiver, I know how important it is for a patient to stick to a treatment schedule,” said Stephanie Rhett, Chatham County Road to Recovery coordinator. “No one should have to miss treatment due to no ride. I want to see more survivors of this horrible disease, so I want to help them get to the treatment that they need on time.”


Volunteer drivers are allowed flexible schedules. They can tell the ACS when, where and how often they would like to drive. Many volunteers transport patients weekly, but assignments vary according to the demand for rides and the nature of the ride requests that are received.


Also, volunteer coordinators are needed for Efffingham. Coordinators handle the behind-the-scene scheduling. They talk with cancer patients about their transportation needs and match drivers’ availability with the patients’ schedules.


People interested in being volunteer drivers can contact the ACS South Atlantic Division office in Savannah at (912) 355-5196.
For information on “Drive to Finish the Fight,” visit www.volunteertodrive.org.