Road To Recovery®
The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program provides free rides to treatment for cancer patients.
Transportation barriers are the #1 reason for missed cancer appointments.
For people with cancer who have no way of getting to treatment, our Road To Recovery® program is there to help. Driving patients to lifesaving treatment is one of the most meaningful volunteer experiences you can have with the American Cancer Society.
We need volunteers so we can help more cancer patients. Unfortunately, we can’t provide rides to everyone who asks us to help them. You can change that.
If you are facing cancer and need rides to treatment, call 1-800-227-2345 to find out if there are Road To Recovery drivers available in your area.
I’m beyond grateful to each and every volunteer who helped me get to my treatment appointments.
Volunteer to drive cancer patients
Being a volunteer driver means you volunteer your time to drive people with cancer to treatment using your personal car. If you have a driver’s license, proof of insurance, pass a background check, and are between 18 and 84 years old, you’re already on the road to volunteering! We’ll provide all the training you need to help patients in your community get to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I get started?
A. If you’re ready to volunteer, visit our Volunteer Community to sign up. Filter the results by searching for the program in your zip code. Please make sure to set a mileage radius and click “Update Results” to view the available opportunities in your area. Once you have located the Road program in your county, click into it and SIGN UP at the top right-hand corner of the page. If you have any other questions regarding the program or have issues locating Road to Recovery in your area, please contact us via the interest form at the end of this page.
Once you have signed up on the Volunteer Community, a volunteer specialist will contact you to share more about the program. Then, you’ll complete the 60-minute self-paced training and a background check.
Ride scheduling is coordinated online and you’ll have the opportunity to share your schedule availability based on what works for you. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to see and accept ride requests from people in your community who need your help.
Q. How much time does it take to volunteer?
A. That’s completely up to you! Once your training is complete, you can accept ride requests based on your availability. You can drive twice a month, once a week, or once a day – you choose your schedule.
Q. Does the American Cancer Society pay for gas?
A. No, and that's why we are so appreciative of our volunteer drivers. With that said, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. According to IRS.gov, the standard rate is 14 cents per mile when driven in service of a charitable organization.
Q. Are volunteers paid?
A. This is not a paid position, however the reward of helping your neighbors get to the lifesaving treatment they need is invaluable.
Q. What is the American Cancer Society doing to protect volunteers and patients against COVID-19?
A. All volunteer drivers are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with COVID vaccinations.
To see a complete list of requirements or sign up to volunteer with Road To Recovery, please visit our Volunteer Community and select "Road To Recovery" from the program filter on the left side of the page.
Still have questions about volunteering?
If you still have questions you can connect with us today via Chat or give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-227-2345. You can also complete the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.
Read our privacy statement about how the American Cancer Society uses personal information.
From retired NCAA coach Lon Kruger
