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Be a Critical Part of a Cancer Patients Road to Recovery

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Volunteers & Wigs/Hats Needed for American Cancer Society's Programs in Northeast Kansas

Be a critical part of a cancer patient's road to recovery by becoming a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program. As a volunteer, you will provide cancer patients safe and friendly transportation to and from the treatments they need. The program offers flexible hours and free training. The Society's Loan Closet is also in need of wigs, hats, turbans and scarves.

An estimated 13,550 Kansas residents will learn that they have cancer this year. Because of advances in medical research, there will be cures for many. Getting to the cures, however, may be a problem. "One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy could need anywhere from 20 to 30 trips to treatment in six weeks," said Jennifer Taylor, health initiatives community manager for the American Cancer Society. "A patient receiving chemotherapy might report for treatment weekly for up to a year. In many cases, a patient is driven to hospitals or clinics by relatives or friends, but even these patients must occasionally seek alternative transportation. That's where Road to Recovery comes in."

"Transportation is one of the top three unmet needs of cancer patients," explains Taylor. "We have a critical need right now for drivers. I invite people who would like to help cancer patients in their community to give me a call at 785.438.5606. The program not only helps patients, but is also rewarding for the volunteer. Several of our drivers have volunteered for a number of years."

Training, maps and directions are provided to those who become Road to Recovery volunteers. The amount of time given depends upon each volunteer's schedule. Requirements for volunteering include a good driving record, valid driving license and vehicle that is in good working condition.

The Loan Closet makes available free wigs, hats, turbans, scarves and breast prostheses for cancer patients going through treatment. The current supply of wigs, turbans and new hats is low, making it hard for the American Cancer Society to keep up with the demand.

"These products are very important to cancer patients, because they help increase the patient's self-esteem while renewing self-confidence during and after treatment," Taylor said. "We are especially in need of new hats and turbans right now."

The American Cancer Society depends on donations from individuals and businesses to supply the wigs, hats, turbans and scarves kept in stock. The wigs do not have to be new or styled since volunteer hairdressers clean and style the wigs before they are made available to patients. Patterns are available for those groups or individuals interested in making turbans for patients. Stretchy, cotton/jersey material in neutral colors is recommended for turbans.

If you have a new hat, new or used wig, or new turban that you would like to donate; or if you would like the turban pattern, please call Taylor at 785.438.5606, or visit the Society office at 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka. For more information on cancer, call your American Cancer Society's 24-hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their Web site at www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.



Copyright 2010 The Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise, Alma, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise Alma, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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