Unite in the Fight Providing Transportation to Medical Appointments

Missing a medical appointment for some people is at worst a mild inconvenience, but for others, it means missing out on important medical care. This is especially true for patients coming for their chemotherapy, radiation, or infusion treatments. Cancer treatment side effects, such as fatigue, vision changes and drowsiness, make driving dangerous for patients. While some are unaffected, many need to be driven to and from their appointments.

Another challenge to get to and from appointments is the lack of a vehicle. Not all patients have a car and have to use other means to get them to the clinic. 

“I have had patients whose cancer care has been delayed because they cannot find a ride,” said Andrea Rhoden, a Breast Oncology Nurse Navigator at the Georgia Cancer Center.

When appointments are missed, a patient’s progress is stalled. This means that the cancer cells that would have been killed during treatment now have the opportunity to grow and can become more resistant to treatment. Staying on schedule for treatments is a crucial factor for cancer care.

We are fortunate to have volunteer transportation services available to patients in our area that require little to no insurance from patients to be used. However, there are times when volunteers are not available

“We have so many patients who depend on transportation services that are run by volunteers. If there are not any volunteers available or the volunteers do not show up, important appointments are missed.”

After witnessing this happen to her patients on multiple occasions, Rhoden submitted her program Taxi Fares for Patients in Need for Unite in the Fight 2024 funding.

Unite in the Fight Against Cancer is a one mile walk that celebrates and honors all who have been affected by this disease, while raising funds for patient centered programs. This program, along with 12 others, was selected to receive funding.

“Since these funds will be used for emergency situations, we can serve over 25 patients over the next year.” If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 3rd 2025. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in the fight against cancer.