|
Hit the Road—that’s one way to help ease the burden that cancer patients face
Mayor Brian Stratton (Schenectady), Anthony Marino of the American Cancer Society,
Mayor Jerry Jennings (Albany), Mayor Harry Tutunjian (Troy)
On December 7, Community Care Physicians hosted a press conference for The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program. This program is a free service in which volunteer drivers provide transportation for cancer patients to and from their appointments. Mayors Gerald Jennings (Albany), Brian Stratton (Schenectady), and Harry Tutunjian (Troy) made a rare joint public appearance to challenge residents to become volunteer drivers for the program, a clear indication of the importance this program holds to the Capital Region. American Cancer Society Regional Vice President Anthony Marino spoke about Road to Recovery and was joined by volunteer driver and cancer survivor Dorsey Whitehead.
The Road to Recovery program is striving to double the number of current volunteer drivers, now 150, during the months of December and January. These 150 volunteers have provided almost 1,300 rides to patients.
Frequently cancer patients are unable to secure rides to their numerous appointments, leaving them with few options for completing their treatment schedules. Through this program, the American Cancer Society coordinates recruitment, screening, and training of the drivers as well as scheduling the pickups. Volunteers donate their time and utilize their own vehicles while transporting patients.
Road to Recovery volunteers must have a car with insurance, a good driving record, and are required to complete a 40 minutes training class.
As Mayor Tutunjian stated, “it’s a no brainer.”
For more information on the Road to Recovery program, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
<< Read Previous News Item
| Read Next News Item >>
|
