Getting Cancer Patients Back on the Road To Recovery

For cancer patients, transportation challenges can create a barrier to receiving the treatment they need. Many people need daily or weekly treatment, often over the course of several months. Family and friends may help, but the truth is, they may not always have the time or resources to provide every ride, which can create a barrier to treatment.

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program helps remove that barrier by providing free transportation for people with cancer who otherwise would not have a ride to lifesaving treatment. Even the best treatment can't work if a patient can't get there. That's why a successful transportation assistance program can be a tremendous, potentially life-saving asset to our community.

"I had no family in the area and was not sure how I would get to my treatment appointments, I never realized a program like Road To Recovery existed. It helped save my life because I am now cancer free." - Sara, King County, WA

Since 2005, more than 9.6 million one-way trips have been provided to patients like Sara. That's why Columbia Bank is partnering with the American Cancer Society to support Road To Recovery. From May 16 - June 3, you can make a donation online(and in-person at participating branches) that directly impacts the lives of cancer patients in our community by supporting the Road To Recovery program. You can also show your support by joining our Columbia Bank Relay For Life team May 21, at the Relay For Life of Tacoma.

Columbia Bank's long-standing partnership with the American Cancer Society has raised over $250,000 in 17 years. This partnership has benefited cancer patients and their families, especially in times of greater need; during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Columbia Bank contributed a $10,000 gift for COVID-19 related relief efforts, which was in addition to their already generous sponsorship commitment.

The American Cancer Society is always in need of volunteer drivers for the Road To Recovery Program. Your help would have a huge impact on the lives of cancer patients. Visit volunteercommunity.cancer.orgto see if any opportunities are right for you.

"Initially I didn't plan on volunteering as much as I ended up doing, but after meeting the patients and seeing how much of a difference it made for them and their families to have one less thing to worry about with transportation to their appointments which are often daily. So many people have told me that without this transportation they simply wouldn't be able to go to their treatment. Many can't drive themselves, or with the treatment wouldn't be in any condition to drive." - Micah, Road To Recovery Volunteer