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The nationwide program helps cancer patients by transporting them to and from their treatment when they may be too sick to drive.
The local branches of the society are making a push for new drivers since a large number of volunteers have gone south for the winter. Almost 400 rides were given last year between Westchester and Rockland.
"Treatment can make a patient feel too sick to drive. In many cases, a patient is driven to hospitals and clinics by relatives or friends, but occasionally they need to seek alternative transportation,” Maribel Palacios-Perez, the society's program manager of mission, said.
Sometimes treatment can mean 20 to 30 trips in six weeks, perhaps even up to a year.
Volunteers are expected to have at least a free morning or afternoon once a month.
"Some volunteers say driving patients is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,” adds Palacios-Perez. "Sometimes a driver will have the opportunity to bring the same patient several times, get to know them, and be able to offer support.
“For patients who have no family in the area, volunteer drivers really make a difference."
For more information, call Palacios-Perez at 914-397-8837 or email maribel.palacios-perez@cancer.org.
Anyone interested in volunteering should call 1-800-227-2345.
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