Driving Hope: Wanda’s Story

In 2018, Wanda’s family faced a challenge that many families know all too well. Her mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and the logistical hurdles of treatment quickly became overwhelming. With three siblings all working full-time and a father who could no longer drive, getting their mother to essential medical appointments seemed like an impossible task. “To take time off work to drive her to appointments was not feasible,” Wanda recalls. “We were lucky at the time; we lived in Grunthal, and the church and the community stepped up.” That community support was a lifeline. It ensured her mother received the care she needed and provided the family with much-needed peace of mind. Today, Wanda is paying that kindness forward as a volunteer driver for the Southeast Cancer Support Services Transportation Program.

For many cancer patients, the journey to recovery starts with a literal journey to the clinic. However, not everyone has a network of family or friends available to help. Wanda’s experience as a driver has opened her eyes to the reality that many individuals face these battles alone.

Through her volunteer work, Wanda provides more than just a ride; she offers:

Reliability: Ensuring patients never miss a critical treatment.
Connection: Building meaningful friendships and hearing the stories of those she assists.
Relief: Taking one significant worry off a family’s plate so they can focus on healing.

“It is just wonderful to be that one thing that I can take off their plate that they don’t have to worry about,” Wanda says.

While the service is a gift to the patients, Wanda emphasizes that the volunteers receive just as much in return. She describes her time behind the wheel as “really rewarding,” noting the deep bonds she has formed with her passengers. For Wanda, volunteering isn’t just about the miles driven; it’s about the lives touched. The sense of purpose that comes from supporting a family through one of their most difficult seasons is, in her words, incomparable.

Southeast Cancer Support Services is always looking for compassionate individuals like Wanda to join their transportation program. If you have a few hours to spare and a desire to help your neighbors, your contribution could change a life. As Wanda puts it: “If you are thinking of becoming a driver, I highly recommend it. You are giving a family so much support.”