(This story is sponsored by the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society.)

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are forced to take on the most challenging fight of their life. With courage and determination, these patients have to navigate a demanding schedule of appointments, treatments, and surgeries.

The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society (VCDS) recognizes that transportation to and from these medical commitments should be the last thing on any cancer patient’s mind. By providing complimentary rides to those in need, the charity encourages patients to focus on their health and overcoming the disease.  

One in every two Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with some form of life-threatening cancer in their lifetime. Because of this, the demand for volunteer drivers continues to increase by more than 20 percent each year.

When someone is battling cancer, feelings of stress can negatively impact their immune system and increase the risk of their disease returning. Missing appointments and paying out of pocket for transportation poses as a significant burden and stressor for patients.

In order to continue providing cancer patients with safe transportation to their treatments, the VCDS is seeking volunteer drivers in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and the Tri-Cities. These drivers use their own vehicles to take patients from their homes to their care facility, wait during the treatment, and are responsible for the return trip.

Volunteering for one ride per week, at a time and day that fits with your flexible schedule, is a wonderful way to assist those in need in your community. Drivers have described their volunteer efforts as rewarding and humbling, and share that each experience provides a valuable perspective on life.

Since cancer treatments can span over several months with multiple treatments per week, patients spend a lot of time in transit. Volunteer drivers can provide a comforting and compassionate interlude, takes the patient’s mind off of their difficult journey—this is much more pleasant than sitting alone on the bus.

Taking public transit is not always a viable option for patients and it can be rather stressful and overwhelming. Patients frequently say that the friendly, nonjudgmental time spent with the volunteer drivers is a welcome diversion.

For information on how you can become a volunteer driver, click here.

If you’re in need of reliable transportation to and from a cancer treatment or appointment, visit www.volunteercancerdrivers.ca/book-a-ride/.