Road to Recovery Needs Volunteers

By Justin Foss, Reporter

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By Justin Foss

Story Created: Mar 9, 2010 at 6:10 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 9, 2010 at 6:10 PM CST

MARION - When Lorieta Fleet heard she had lung cancer, she knew she was in for a battle.

"I knew cancer was devastating, but I didn't know what was included in the treatment or the cure,” said Fleet, 75, Marion.

For Fleet, the cure meant going to the hospital.

"Every day, every weekday, Monday through Friday,” said Fleet.

Each day, dozens of Eastern Iowans head to hospitals to get radiation, chemo or some other form of treatment for their cancer. The trips don’t always last long, but they always require a patient to arrive at the hospital.

Fleet knew that would be tough when she left California last fall to live with her daughter in Marion. In the move she also left her car behind. Her daughter’s family is very busy with school and long days at work.

To help her meet the demanding treatment schedule, volunteers with the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program stepped in. People like Lila Kramer donate their time and vehicle to make sure patients like Fleet can get their treatment.

"A lot of times, especially after the chemo, you don't feel like driving,” said Kramer, 68, Cedar Rapids. “Some react differently to treatment, some are violently ill, they are just very weak.”

Teri Elsbury, Patient Program Specialist with the American Cancer Society said Eastern Iowa volunteers are driving an average of 140 one-way trips to hospitals each month. Elsbury said there are only 34 part-time volunteers with the local program. But, since cancer isn’t going away, they need more drivers to relieve some of the stress from the current volunteers.

Fleet said the drivers made a tough battle, a little easier to fight.

If you are interested in learning more about this meaningful program and making a very real difference in people’s lives, contact Teri Elsbury at 1-877-422-9055 ext. 14, or at teri.elsbury@cancer.org.

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