pr3375acsnewsrelease
TRANSCRIPT
Josh TurnerKennesaw State University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDec. 3, 2015
Finding Recovery Road
Nonprofit spreads awareness of lifesaving program
ATLANTA — An innovative program from the American Cancer Society gives an
opportunity for cancer patients without adequate transportation to appointments another chance
at treatments. Adopted nationwide in 1983, Road to Recovery connects patients who don’t have
rides or cannot drive for themselves to volunteers who donate their time and vehicles in order to
help save lives.
While the program has undeniable benefits for patients, it can also be valuable to the drivers.
Dave Roberts, an Atlanta Road to Recovery volunteer, dedicates his life to helping cancer
patients to honor the memory of his wife who fought cancer herself.
“Driving cancer patients to treatment can be a very rewarding volunteer experience,” said
Roberts. “I control my own schedule, and I’ve met so many wonderful people.”
The program is completely free to patients, and all drivers are trained. The American Cancer
Society’s Road to Recovery program features coordinators who schedule patient pickups based
on appointment times. The coordinators communicate pickup locations and drop-off destinations
to the volunteers, and the road to recovery continues.
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Often times, patients cannot receive transportation from family or friends, whom may be
dispersed geographically and cannot provide daily support. Road to Recovery volunteers become
the local friend that the patients need. Even though volunteers cannot cure cancer itself, Roberts
requests anyone able to support cancer patients in securing a means of transportation to vital
treatment sessions.
“We need more people to step up to the ‘wheel’ and help.”
Road to Recovery is just one of the American Cancer Society’s many support programs. If you, a
loved one or someone you know needs a ride to treatment, please call the American Cancer
Society at 1-800-227-2345 to be matched with a volunteer. If you’re interested in learning more
or volunteering, visit http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/road-to-
recovery.
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization
dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the
ACS has regional and local offices throughout the country that support 11 geographical divisions
and ensure that there’s a presence in every community.
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