Volunteer drivers remove roadblocks to cancer treatment, in need of more help
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Getting to and from doctor’s appointments is critical for those fighting cancer. The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program is looking for more volunteer drivers to provide rides that can help save lives.
Diedra Hamilton is a childhood cancer survivor and oncology nurse by day. But by night she volunteers her time to give free rides to those who don’t have any other option and have to get where they are going.
“Transportation is the number one barrier to cancer care,” explained Hamilton. “We usually laugh and listen to the music they want to listen to along the way. We try to have a good time.”
Hamilton is one of 67 volunteer drivers across the valley but that’s not nearly enough to meet the demand. They’ve helped more than 200 patients in the last year, but they need at least 10 more volunteer drivers to meet demand.
They use an app to find out who needs rides and when volunteers are available. The hardest part Hamilton said is the traffic.
“It just depends on the Vegas traffic,” he said.
The rides for cancer patients are completely free and drivers must be between 18-84, have a valid license, insurance, clean record, and safe vehicle.
Drivers like her help remove one of the biggest roadblocks to cancer treatment. Nationwide the program needs about 400 drivers to keep up with demand.
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