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Road to Recovery®: A Volunteer Opportunity

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Mary Ann Fisher moved to Overland Park in 2016 and started looking for ways to volunteer her time, giving back to her new community. That is when she saw a TV news story about Road to Recovery®, which provides cancer patients with free rides to treatment. 

“This volunteer opportunity really appealed to me in two ways,” laughed Fisher. “A way to fill time and learn my way around a new city, but it turned into so much more.” 

After learning about Road to Recovery Mary Ann visited cancer.org/drive to sign up to be volunteer driver. “What I would tell anyone thinking of volunteering is that you can make your own schedule,” said Fisher. “A stranger in your car can be scary, but the training prepares you for that and you end up with an amazingly rewarding feeling. I can really count my blessings now!”

One of Mary Ann’s most memorable driving experiences involves a man who she lovingly nicknamed “The Mayor;” he knew everyone, waving to neighbors and friends as they drove to treatment. The Mayor would finish treatment early and Mary Ann recalls him sticking around the waiting room, comforting other cancer patients instead of calling her right away for a ride. “He was so sweet and giving,” said Fisher. 

“Cancer can be very humbling. It puts life on hold and I am grateful I get the chance to drive patients to treatment. I am making a very visible difference in their lives. The time in the car can be a therapy of sorts for them and for me, really.”

The American Cancer Society is in need of more volunteer drivers to support the Road to Recovery program. This year, more than 15,300 Kansans and more than 35,400 Missourians will be diagnosed with cancer, and for some, getting to treatments can be their biggest roadblock. Volunteer drivers donate their time and can provide as many rides as they want. 

The American Cancer Society’s goal in Kansas City is to recruit 45 new Road to Recovery volunteer drivers in 45 days to help patients get the lifesaving care they need. Last year, 1,588 rides were unmet due to lack of volunteer drivers in Kansas City. 

“I drive patients about twice a week,” said Fisher. “This service is one less worry for cancer patients. It is an honor to drive them. I don’t see myself stopping any time soon.”

To learn more about volunteering for the Road to Recovery program, visit cancer.org/drive.

Written by: Amy Haynes