Cancer, well, sucks.
The mental, physical, and emotional toll a cancer diagnosis — and related treatment — takes on a patient and their loved ones can be emotional. And among the many challenges for people in that situation is a logistical one. Keeping all the appointments together and getting to them on time can be tough, even on a good day.
This is something my family and I learned during my late father’s journey.
The logistical toll can be even tougher for those without reliable transportation.
That is where an organization like the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery steps in. Road To Recovery is a program that offers free rides to and from cancer-related medical appointments for those who cannot drive themselves, across all 50 states.
Road to Recovery is a volunteer-powered program that relies on nearly 6,000 volunteers across the United States. In 2024 alone, the program provided 71,500 free-to-access rides for more than 6,200 cancer patients in the United States. In the Austin area, home of last week’s United States Grand Prix, Road to Recovery served 57 patients, providing over 500 rides from 38 volunteers.
Last week, Alpine Formula 1 Team hosted seven volunteers on Thursday ahead of the United States Grand Prix. Led by reserve driver Paul Aron, the volunteers toured the paddock, the team garage, and were then treated to a surprise visit from drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto:
“It was great to bring together the Road To Recovery volunteer drivers with our own Formula One drivers in Austin,” said Guy Martin, Alpin’s Global Marketing Director. “We are proud to be able to highlight such an incredible program from the American Cancer Society and to thank the volunteers who are helping to save lives with every trip they provide for a cancer patient.”
“Driving patients via the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program over the past two years has been such a rewarding experience in itself, knowing that I have provided support to people when they have needed it most,” said Edi Arnold, a volunteer driver with Road To Recovery.
Those who wish to learn more about Road To Recovery can do so through the American Cancer Society. If you are interested in becoming a Road To Recovery volunteer, you can sign up here.
