OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The last thing a cancer patient wants to deal with is figuring out how to get to their treatments when they're unable to drive themselves. Volunteers with the American Red Cross are stepping up to help out, but more drivers are needed as demand grows.
Going through cancer treatment can leave some patients unable to drive. Or sometimes family and friends may not be able to take you which can cause a problem when trying to get to your treatment. "Some cancers require daily appointments, weekly appointments or travel far from home," says Brian Ortner, Director, Communications with the American Cancer Society.
Last year, volunteers provided 1,432 rides to patients in the Omaha area, but there is another number that concerns Ortner. "In 2018 we had 123 calls of patients we could not get that ride for due to volunteer numbers," says Ortner.
The demand for the program grows, so A.C.S is asking for more volunteers to help. They say helping can be fulfilling, and can mean a lot for those patients. "Having someone there who knew what they were going through and just to listen to them as they were getting a ride to treatment has been invaluable to people we've spoken with," says Ortner.
If you're interested in getting a ride, or signing up to be a driver, visit cancer.org/roadtorecovery
