A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, not only for the individual but also for their family. The added stress of figuring out transportation to and from radiation, Monday to Friday, for up to six weeks can be overwhelming.
Some patients are in no shape to drive after their cancer treatments. Others may not have a vehicle or friends and family who are available to drive them, especially if they work full-time.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program aims to reduce this stress by matching patients with volunteers who are willing to drive them to and from their appointments at the Ottawa Hospital on Smyth Road.
The Wheels of Hope program is in desperate need of at least 10 volunteers to meet the demand for rides in Cornwall and SD&G. The hospitals often ask about their availability, but they have had to turn patients away due to lack of volunteers.
For those who can access the program, the feedback is always positive. Comments like, “I don’t know what I would have done without this program,” and “The volunteers make me smile and take so much stress off my shoulders” are common for organizers to hear.
The same can be said of the generous volunteers who keep the program running.
“The decision to volunteer was simple – my wife and I have enjoyed a nice life in this community and want to pay it back through volunteering. As a volunteer driver for Wheels of Hope, I have something rewarding that keeps me busy and lets me meet so many nice people,” said Glenn, a volunteer driver.
Volunteers are offered a mileage reimbursement of .35 cents/km. Some volunteers choose to donate this money and request a tax receipt to give back to the program even more.
Volunteers are required to have a valid driver’s license with 3 or less demerits and operate a 100% smoke free, clean, and well-maintained vehicle. They must also be willing to undergo a criminal background check and are at least double vaccinated. Both the volunteer and the client are required to wear a mask in the vehicle.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
Go to: CANCERVOLUNTEER.CA then click on WHEELS OF HOPE
For questions contact: VOLUNTEER@CANCER.CA or call 1-888-939-3333
