One local program ensures cancer patients get the medicine they need when they have no way of getting to and from treatment.
George Dawson has been a volunteer driver for eight years.
"It makes me feel useful," he said. "My wife was a volunteer driver coordinator for eleven years. She needed more drivers, so she signed me up!"
The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program connects volunteers like Dawson to patients who otherwise would have no mode of transportation.
"The drivers go through a quick training and certified by us, the American Cancer Society and then they are set to go. It is not a difficult program to get involved in," said Tamra Cannon, community manager for health initiatives.
Time commitments vary depending on the driver. There is no such thing as too little, or too much time spent.
"There are some drivers who prefer to only do Tuesday mornings in town. We have some drivers who are willing to go to Levelland or Slaton, or Post sometimes. We have both, and we'll take all of them," Cannon said.
Currently, eight volunteers share the Lubbock-area workload but more help is needed.
"Twenty would be golden. It would be the best thing to happen to this program in a long time," she said.
Because most appointments are scheduled during day time hours, retired individuals, students and even those who work from home are encouraged to take the wheel.
"I think our drivers get great rewards out of this program," Cannon said. "And I feel like they get back as much as they put in, if not more."
For drivers like Dawson, it's a form of paying it forward. Having lost two family members to cancer, he knows those undergoing treatment cannot do it alone.
"It's sort of like that old saying you know, try it maybe you'll like it," he said.
For more information on the local Road to Recovery program call (806) 792-7128.
