Submitted by: Gerald A. Furgione, Executive Director, PhillyCarShare

Beginning January 4, 2011, PhillyCarShare and the American Cancer Society will be joining forces to sponsor a program that matches volunteers with car share vehicles to provide cancer patients with free transportation to scheduled treatments. This initiative includes an organized coalition of businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations with Penn, Hahnemann, Temple and Jefferson hospitals participating in the initial phase. The project will feature a coordinator who will be responsible for scheduling rides, vehicles, and volunteers.

Transportation to scheduled treatments ranks as one of the greatest challenges patients face on their road to recovery. Every day, thousands of cancer patients face the struggle of securing reliable transportation in addition to facing the exhausting fight to beat cancer. In 2010, Temple University Hospital reported that an estimated 40% of their patients required transportation assistance.  Many treatments are missed because patients are unable to keep their scheduled appointments solely due to lack of transportation. 

As a result of the daily treatment regiment and tiring nature of the treatments, patients must rely upon others for their transportation needs.  Often public transportation is too strenuous or unavailable.  In many cases, a financial burden is placed upon family members who must arrange their work schedules to accommodate appointment schedules.  Lack of transportation can leave patients with few options for completing their treatment schedules. 

PhillyCarShare and the American Cancer Society have responded to this challenge with a practical solution which will utilize car share vehicles for the good of the community in a unique and creative way.  This is one of the first projects of its type in the country.

It is amazing that something as simple as a ride can help change someone’s life. Volunteer drivers are currently being recruited. Volunteers are needed a minimum of one time per month. Times are available from 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.  All volunteers must be over 21 years old and will receive training from the American Cancer Society.  

Please consider becoming a volunteer and helping others through this important outreach. Email info@phillypatientride.org with your contact information for further information.