Helping Hand Resource Guide
Finding Help for Transportation
Many people have trouble traveling to and from treatment because the chemotherapy or radiation makes them too weak. Transportation services are available in many communities and, although they vary, are usually one of these three types:
- Low-cost van services run by community agencies or hospitals
- Volunteer transportation services (where someone will drive you in their car) run by community agencies or local religious groups
- Private transportation services (car services and taxis) whose costs may be covered by some nonprofit groups
Here are some tips to find help with transportation:
- Start with family and friends – often they want to help out and this is something concrete they can do.
- Check with your hospital and see if they have a van service for people coming as an outpatient (not admitted to the hospital) for radiation and chemotherapy. Or you may be able to carpool with other outpatients.
- Contact your local or county government office to see if they provide low-cost transportation on the public transit system for elderly or disabled individuals (sometimes called "paratransit").
- Check with community agencies, like the YMCA, the YWCA, Catholic Charities, Area Agencies on Aging, or local churches, synagogues and fraternal orders.
- Paying for private transportation (taxis, ambulettes, and car services) may be your only option. This can be expensive, so don't hesitate to shop around, and ask them if they will offer a discounted rate if you use them regularly.
- If you are looking for out-of-town transportation, there are organizations that can match you with low-cost or free flights. A few places to start are the Air Care Alliance, the Corporate Angel Network, and the National Patient Travel Center.
- CancerCare provides limited financial assistance for transportation to treatment under some circumstances. Contact us via email or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).