After ACS agreed to have a Resource Center within the Cancer Care Center at BCHS, they sat down to look at other ways to build their alliance. "As we work closely with BCHS, and have direct contact with the newly diagnosed [patients], we are learning first-hand what the most pressing needs are, whether they are physical or emotional, and we’re working very hard to address all of them," said Jean Thompson, ACS Community Program Manager.

The beneficial ACS Road to Recovery program was suffering in Calhoun County, not because there was a lack of volunteers, but due to the rising gas prices. "Calhoun County is fairly rural and transportation is a very serious problem," said Jean.

Road to Recovery is a service program that provides transportation for cancer patients to and from treatments. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their own vehicle to transport these patients.

As part of a strategy plan, BCHS and ACS put together a presentation for local car dealerships. After presenting to Toyota, "they called me a week later with a very enthusiastic yes," said Jean. "Gary Minneman, Jr. has been phenomenal to work with. He did all the signage for the car and has been great promoting the [Road to Recovery] program." Toyota came through with a free three-year lease on a new Camry.

"They have had cancer in their family, and when we discussed the higher rates of cancer in the area, they stated that if a vehicle would make a significant impact on saving lives and improving the quality of life for their neighbors, they wanted to be part of that program."

Battle Creek Health System provides the gas, insurance, and any other incurred costs, while the American Cancer Society trains the volunteer drivers.

Jim Burns has volunteered with Road to Recovery for more than three years. He has driven people to treatment outside of Calhoun County, to places like Vicksburg and Coldwater. He is pleased about the Camry, namely for the sake of others willing to volunteer who can’t afford to.

"When I first started [volunteering], it cost then, but you figure, you’re doing it for your heart, so you’re not going to worry about the gas. But I can see nowadays how that could be a problem for people. Plus the fact you don’t have to worry about any wear and tear on your car. I mean, that’s a big thing right there because car expenses are probably a lot more than the gas really."

Jean is thrilled with the future prospects of this budding partnership. "This has been such an incredible few months as we’ve watched this partnership grow, and knowing that there are so many areas that we can improve the quality of life for patients."

To learn more about the Road to Recovery program, call your American Cancer Society at
1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/roadtorecovery.

Pictured: (L to R) Gary Minneman, Jr., owner of Sunshine Toyota; Dr. Randy Mudge, Radiation Oncologist; Sue DeRuiter, Nurse Navigator; and Jayme Carrico, Director of the Cancer Center