VOLUNTEERS DRIVERS SOUGHT, NEW TOOL UNVEILED FOR PROGRAM THAT PUTS CANCER PATIENTS ON ROAD TO RECOVERY

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is looking for volunteer drivers in Massachusetts – particularly in the Cape Cod area of Barnstable County, and in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties – for its Road To Recovery program that provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Drivers and volunteers can connect using the new Service Match online tool.

Service Match was developed to help coordinators connect, via the Internet, ride requests to available drivers, communicate those matches by sending ride details to drivers (who can accept or decline) and to help volunteers manage ride requests and report back to the Society. Trainings on the new tool are available for both new and experienced volunteer drivers.

“The American Cancer Society is committeed to helping as many cancer patients in need of transportation to and from their treatments as we can,” said Richard Wender, MD, chief cancer control officer, American Cancer Society. “This new Service Match tool breathes new life into their extraordinary program by electronically matching service needs with volunteers based on their availability. Through Service Match, the Society and volunteer drivers will ultimately be able to serve more patients in need, helping to improve access to treatment.”

Trained Road To Recovery volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles to help patients get to the treatments they need. They get to keep a flexible schedule by choosing the days and times they are available to help.

Since its inception, the Road To Recovery program has provided more than 7.5 million rides to treatment. Currently, more than 13,000 volunteer drivers help more than 15,000 patients across the country get to treatments they need.

“Volunteer drivers are vital to the Society,” said Michele Dilley, program manager, mission delivery, American Cancer Society. “They provide encouragement and support, and patients are very thankful for the help. It is a rewarding experience ideal for people who like one-on-one interaction and driving. It is a great way to give back if you are a cancer survivor or if you have had a friend or family member who has had cancer.”

Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/volunteer to register as a Road To Recovery volunteer, to sign up for a Service Match training or to learn more.

About The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for those who are threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the US during the past two decades, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress, nearly 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be able to celebrate life this year. We're determined to finish the fight against cancer. As the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, we're finding cures and ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, visit cancer.org or call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345.

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