Craig Daily Press

Craig — Asking for help sometimes isn’t easy, said Judy Morehouse, American Cancer Society quality of life manager.

Especially for someone diagnosed with cancer who needs a ride to distant cancer treatment centers.

For these individuals, the American Cancer Society plans to launch Road to Recovery, a volunteer-driven program that gives rides to area cancer patients free of charge.

The reason: “Sometimes there’s not always family members,” to transport cancer patients to treatment facilities, Morehouse said.

That trip to such facilities can be a long one for Craig residents. The nearest location where residents can access cancer treatments is the Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, more than 40 miles away.

The Memorial Hospital currently doesn’t offer cancer treatments, said Samantha Johnston, TMH service excellence officer.

And, missing a treatment can be detrimental to cancer patients, said Yvonne McAnally, ACS Relay for Life co-chair.

The program “is a great service,” she said, adding, “We are looking for volunteers.”

So is Morehouse.

About four Yampa Valley residents have expressed interest in the program so far. Morehouse would like to see six to eight more people, especially Craig residents, come forward.

The program will provide rides to Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs residents. The Yampa Valley Medical Center will be the primary destination, Morehouse said, but patients can get rides to more distant treatment areas, including Grand Junction and Denver, as drivers are available.

Drivers use their own vehicles to transport patients. They must have proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, be of legal driving age and have a clean driving record.

Volunteers also must submit to a background check.

At the national level, the program doesn’t reimburse drivers for gas, ACS regional communications manager Joel Quevillon said.

Rising fuel costs have had an impact on the program.

“We’ve lost a few drivers across the state because of gas prices,” Quevillon said.

Some ACS regions apply for grant money to purchase fuel cards that volunteer drivers can use, he said.

But because the program is new to the region, that option may not be available in Craig for at least another year, Morehouse said.

A mandatory training will give volunteers a final briefing on the program and tips for communicating with patients before they take to the road, the ACS reported.

By next week, Morehouse hopes to finalize the time and location of a Craig training.

Drivers commit to about two hours of driving per week on average, Morehouse said, and they can decline trips that conflict with their schedules.

“They’re not obligated because they’ve been trained,” she said. “They have their lives and this is a volunteer thing.

“If they’re not free for that particular ride, that doesn’t mean they’re being taken off the list.”

People interested in becoming a Road to Recovery driver can call (970) 242-2496 or e-mail judy.morehouse@cancer.org.