The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers in DeKalb County to transport patients to their treatments.
One cancer patient undergoing radiation therapy could need as many as 30 trips to treatment in six weeks, and chemotherapy may be necessary every week for up to a year. That’s according to Kelly Perez, who is the manager for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program.
“Even with the best family support and friend support, a patient may sometimes not always have an alternative to get to their treatment,” Perez said.
Drivers need a valid license, proof of auto insurance and a reliable and safe vehicle to transport patients to treatment facilities in and around DeKalb County, like Kishwaukee Hospital or Valley West in Sandwich. They also must be at least 18 years old and have a good driving record.
“We see drivers who maybe are retired, who have a little bit more flexibility, to drivers that might be earlier in their career – even college students who can maybe only drive once a week, once every other week,” Perez said. “And every ride that a driver can take, it does help get a patient to where they need to go.”
Perez says volunteers pay for their own gas, but she says they’re usually advised to track mileage for tax purposes.
The Illinois health department says 66-thousand new cancer cases on average are diagnosed in the state every year.