Local cancer patients need volunteer drivers

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers in the Flathead who can give their time and the use of their vehicles to the Road to Recovery program.

“We do know of patients who have actually skipped treatments because they can’t get there, and that just shouldn’t happen,” Judy Pfaff, quality of life manager for the American Cancer Society in Missoula, said. “Having cancer is hard enough, one of the most helpful things we do is keep them from worrying how they are going to get there.”

The program has provided free transportation to and from cancer-related medical appointments at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for cancer patients in the Flathead who would otherwise be unable to get there since 2005.

Pfaff estimated 75 rides are given each year and predicts the need will grow. Chemotherapy typically lasts for nine weeks with appointments five times a week. Each patient could need up to 45 rides or more.

Sometimes family and friends are unable to provide all of the rides needed, so this is where the Road to Recovery program steps in.

The most pressing need is for more drivers from Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish to drive patients to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. More Kalispell drivers would also be appreciated, according to Pfaff.

“The issue we have now is we have more patients than drivers,” Pfaff said.

There are currently 17 volunteers in the valley and their goal is to increase that number to at least 35 or more. Ideally, volunteers would drive once a week.

Nancy Kimball, marketing communication assistant for KRMC, said patients may also ask drivers to take them to the pharmacy as well.

The next driver orientation is scheduled for April 20 from 2-3 p.m. in the Lupine Conference Room at KRMC. To RSVP for the driver orientation or from more information, contact Dolly Vallieres at 756-8017 or email dollyv@bresnan.net.