Photo by Donovan Roberts Witmer
Nick Scalese, stage four cancer survivor and now volunteer driver
For individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, the road to recovery is often long and arduous. Compounding the matter are numerous additional complications, not the least of which is traveling to many medical appointments. It’s difficult enough when one’s life is forced to a screeching halt after a cancer diagnosis. Transportation worries just add an extra burden to those who are trying to cope with the disease.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is striving to alleviate the issue with a dedicated team of volunteers who provide patients with free transportation to and from appointments. Drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles to help ensure that people with cancer get the treatments they need; they also provide encouragement and support.
The Birth of a Life-Saving Program
According to Lisa Johnson, program manager, the ACS began offering transportation for cancer patients as an informal service in the 1960s. By the mid-70s, volunteers in central Massachusetts had joined together to develop a state-wide strategic approach for those in need. In 1981, the name “Road to Recovery” was coined, and in just one year, the program had served 1,640 patients. That data brought into focus the severity of the need, and the program was soon adopted nationwide.
Benefitting the Community
Every day thousands of cancer patients require a ride to their treatment appointments. Some may be unable to drive themselves due to their condition, the lack of a vehicle or the inability of family and friends to assist.
According to Johnson, transportation is the number one request for assistance that the ACS receives. “Right now, one of the biggest barriers to cancer care is transportation. Even the best treatment is rendered worthless if a patient can’t get there,” she says.
A Great and Growing Need
Last year, approximately 12,000 volunteers provided 207,000 rides to more than 12,000 patients, and 332 of them were helped right here in South Central Pennsylvania, according to Johnson. “Those 150 volunteer drivers transported patients to and from almost 3,000 appointments,” Johnson says.
These prodigious numbers illustrate why volunteers are vital to the success of the program. Johnson, who has also volunteered as a driver, says, “One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy could need anywhere from 20-30 trips to treatment in six weeks, and a patient needing chemotherapy might report for treatment weekly for up to a year. In many cases, a patient is driven to hospitals or clinics by relatives or friends, but even these patients must occasionally seek alternative transportation.”
Giving Back to the Community
Nick Scalese was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer in August of 2015 and learned about the challenges firsthand. “I was fortunate in that my wife’s schedule was such that she was able to take me to all of my treatments. During my experience, I noticed a lot of patients were alone, and I decided at that time that I wanted to give something back.”
Nick’s radiation treatments lasted 35 straight days during that difficult year. As he convalesced, he began the steps towards becoming a volunteer. “You have to undergo online training that takes about 30-45 minutes. The course gives you some insight into the program and the rules that you should follow as a driver, such as refraining from offering medical advice but instead lending an ear to listen.”
Scalese, who usually drives three days a week, says it’s easy to tailor the volunteer work around his schedule. “Appointments are listed online, and you can pick which ones you want, and if you encounter an issue where you can’t make it, you can call within 24-48 hours so other arrangements can be made,” he says.
The Lititz man said he looks forward to being a much-needed helping hand and views the program as being mutually beneficial. “I treat them as kings and queens and enjoy their company. It’s important to keep that positive attitude.” Nick says that he can usually tell if someone wants to talk or not. “I usually play it by ear,” he says, adding that he’s established relationships with some patients and looks forward to celebrating when their treatments are over. “I think the patients like having a driver who has been through a similar experience, and I give them a great big hug if they want one,” he says.
Gregg Warner learned about the “Road to Recovery” program from a magazine article and called the 800 number last November. “My wife passed away about a year ago, and when I read about the program, I thought, ‘Oh, there’s something I can do.’”
The Linglestown retiree drives once or twice a week, depending on his schedule, and sometimes stays with the patient. “If it’s less than an hour, I usually stay. If it’s more, I’ll drop them off and return,” he says. The experience has been a positive one for Warner, who says that people are always extremely grateful for the help. Warner has transported patients to the Lebanon VA, the Ortenzio Cancer Center, Holy Spirit Hospital, Hershey Medical Center and various doctor’s offices for those with routine appointments.
A Thankful Patient
Louis Rice is a 66-year-old veteran who was diagnosed with lung cancer that spread to his brain. The York County resident, who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, says he doesn’t know how he’d get to his appointments at the Lebanon VA Medical Center without the Road to Recovery program.
Rice says that most of the time he rides with the same driver. “That’s a good thing, and he stays with me and then drives me back to York and drops me off.” He says that he appreciates the company during the long ride. “We get to talking about a lot of things and really get to know each other,” he says.
Volunteers Needed
“It’s been pretty awesome to work with these volunteers, and although we publish what we do, we’re not real vocal about what we can’t do,” says Johnson, whose role is recruitment and management of a 16-county territory. “Compared to national averages, we’re at about 80 percent, so that means that 20 percent of people in our area aren’t being served,” she continues. “For me, over one percent is unacceptable. We have to keep striving to close that gap.”
Getting Involved
Those who are interested in lending a supportive ear and helping those in need can become involved by contacting the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. All that is needed is a good driving record, a current driver’s license, access to a safe and reliable vehicle, proof of insurance and completion of the ACS training course.
Scalese, as a volunteer, says that he can’t recommend the program enough. “We need more people getting involved in this thing called cancer. The science is helping a great amount of people to get better, but they need a regimen of consistent treatment and care. We all go through tough times. It makes me feel good to give back.”
