The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program offers patients free transportation to and from cancer appointments.
For Carol Morris, the visit to the doctor is just one step on a long journey. She has been battling pancreatic cancer for almost a year. The tumor is in a place that doctors cannot reach for a biopsy.
“It’s an overwhelming diagnosis, especially when they can’t tell you what stage you’re in,” Morris said.
“Because of the painkillers I was taking, etc., I couldn’t drive,” she said.
Volunteer driver Darlene Parker helps here.
“They say you get more than you give, and that’s true,” she said. “It was wonderful getting to know Carol and the other people I brought along.”
Last year, over 3,600 volunteers completed approximately 77,000 rides for over 4,000 patients across the country as part of Road to Recovery.
“Not having to worry about transportation was a huge relief,” Morris said.
“It’s a wonderful program,” she said. “I can’t say enough about it. And I wish more people would volunteer to ride for the American Cancer Society.”
Parker knows firsthand what her passengers go through. At 23, she battled breast cancer and years later, melanoma.
“It’s just so important to give back in any way you can to those who are going through this journey by helping them,” she said.
Morris has completed chemotherapy and radiation and remains hopeful as she awaits her next ultrasound.
“One step forward every day, and instead of looking at how far I still have to go, I look at how much I have already achieved,” she said.
News4 sends breaking news alerts via email. Sign up here to receive breaking news alerts in your inbox.
