I recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet Julie and Jan upon their return from a visit to Jan’s doctor. Julie is a driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program and has assisted Jan in her need for transportation several times. They were both so sweet and were willing to chat with me about this amazing program and how it is enriching local lives.
Julie…
Rebecca: How did you get involved?
Julie: I recently retired and was looking for an opportunity to volunteer. I saw an ad for Road to Recovery on TV.
Rebecca: Why did you want to get involved with this program specifically?
Julie: I love to help people and am a cancer survivor myself.
Rebecca: How has Road to Recovery impacted your life?
Julie: I look forward to it and it gives me purpose. I love helping people and this makes me happy. I’ve also developed relationships over time after seeing the same patients.
Rebecca: Why would you recommend others get involved?
Julie: Because it’s so rewarding. Cancer patients need us to help in their lives while they are going through this process of treatment.
Rebecca: Do you enjoy it? If so, why?
Julie: I love meeting the people. I love hearing their stories and the satisfaction I get is beyond words because everyone is so appreciative. It is so rewarding.
Rebecca: Why is Road to Recovery so important?
Julie: You won’t be sorry. Just give it a try. It’s a wonderful service and everybody benefits so much!
Rebecca: What were the requirements for you to volunteer for Road to Recovery?
Julie: I had to go through orientation online, and have a valid driver’s license and a car. You can make your own schedule, so you can drive daily or just once a month- whatever works for you.
Jan…
Rebecca: How has the Road to Recovery Program helped you?
Jan: I was taking the bus to all my appointments and it was so hard because they are not always on time. Having a Road to Recovery driver helps a lot because they are on time and can get me to my appointment. I meet lots of people and it makes me feel good knowing that so many people are willing to help.
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Felicia McMullen of the American Cancer Society. I’ve gotten to know Felicia over the past year or so and have loved her continuous support and unwavering acceptance of my desire to give back to the community. She has a few tips for anyone wanting to get involved in Road to Recovery:
1) Navigate to the Road to Recovery Website.
- 2) Click on “Volunteer to Drive”.
- 3) Complete the necessary registration!
- There are a couple steps to getting involved but they’re easy, and once complete you’ll be able to choose the schedule for driving that compliments your life. There are drives needed anywhere from 30 minutes up to two hours, and you choose what is best for you. You’re also able to sign up up to two days in advance of the drive you would like to make.
- Thank you Julie, Jan, and Felicia for your time! Hugs to all three of you!
From January to March Road to Recovery drivers provided 203 rides in Ingham County, 97% fulfillment. Additional volunteer drivers are needed, as ACS anticipates the need for rides to increase as they receive more referrals from local health systems.
Sign up online, or give the American Cancer Society a call today to see where you can fit in! 800.227.2345
