VALDOSTA — In an effort to save lives, the American Cancer Society is searching for men and women with good driving records, valid driver’s licenses, automobile insurance, vehicles in good working condition and altruistic spirits.

Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for cancer patients in Lowndes, Brooks and Echols counties, driving them to their treatments at South Georgia Medical Center’s Pearlman Comprehensive Cancer Center and returning them safely home. The initiative is part of the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program.

“A successful Road to Recovery Program is a tremendous asset to the community, and volunteers provide an essential and life-saving service,” said Ashley Braswell, the American Cancer Society’s community manager in Lowndes County. “They ensure that cancer patients are able to take advantage of the latest medical advantages and receive regular cancer treatments. We don’t want something like a lack of transportation to keep someone from getting the necessary treatment.”

Road to Recovery is an American Cancer Society service program that provides transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again. Transportation is provided according to the needs and available resources in the community.

Braswell said that even those cancer patients with family members in the area can find it difficult to get to all of their treatments, as often their family members risk losing their jobs due to repeat and excessive absences. Depending on the type, location and severity of the cancer, some patients require treatment five days a week.

“Requests for this service are continual,” she added. “And it’s not any particular demographic. Patients of all ages, races and from all walks of life need this help.”

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

To learn more about becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer, please contact Ashley Braswell at (229) 834-0709 or via email at ashley.braswell@cancer.org. Training will be provided.