KNOXVILLE - The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program has an urgent need for volunteers in the Knoxville area to drive cancer patients to and from their treatments in Knoxville.

Kristin McGee, volunteer driver; image, American Cancer Society

Despite remarkable progress in the fight against cancer, there are many cancer patients today whose greatest challenge isn’t lack of treatment. It’s lack of transportation. Some patients simply do not have a vehicle or may be too ill to drive. Family and friends can sometimes help provide transportation, and the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program can help.

If you have a car and insurance, a computer, safe driving skills, and can drive as little as one morning or afternoon a month, you can give someone peace of mind and the chance to get to their potentially lifesaving treatments. Local volunteer driver and Knoxville resident, Kristin McGee, shared her reason to volunteer.

“When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, I quickly learned how stressful cancer can be. It is vitally important to focus all one's energy on treatment and recovery,” said McGee. “My parents were blessed with plenty of resources, but I know that is not true for every cancer patient. A cancer diagnosis is tough enough without having to worry about transportation to and from treatment.”

McGee said she volunteers because she wants to help others fight and beat cancer.

“I am blessed to have the resources needed to be a volunteer driver: a car, insurance, some money for gas and a little time. That is why I am a Road to Recovery driver, and it is a privilege to be a small part of each person's journey,” she said.

To learn about volunteer opportunities in Knox County, contact the Society’s 24-hour cancer information center to speak with a representative or sign up at www.cancer.org/drive. Those who need transportation assistance should also contact the American Cancer Society. One call does it all to 1-800-227-2345.