WATCH: Wheels of Hope helps Ontario cancer patients by helping them get from point A to point B. Susan Hay has the story.
Wheels of Hope is a program that offers free transportation to and from cancer-related appointments. Volunteers provide support rides once a week for clients that would otherwise have difficulty getting to lifesaving treatments.
The program is supported by the Cancer Society. It helps ensure assistance to clients who can not afford additional costs.
“They become part of the persons journey with cancer. We talk about that from diagnosis to survivorship to whatever the end of it is. The driver is a very integral part of that journey, ” said Kendra Chopciam, community office manager at Wheels of Hope.
There were more than 2,500 volunteers that drove approximately 11.8 million km within the past year.
Florance Devitte is an active volunteer. She provides rides with her personal vehicle to make a difference.
One of her regular clients is 3 year old Jaxson. He has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“When you see a little boy like that, suffering so much, it’s very difficult (not to show compassion). He has just warmed his way into my heart,” said Devitte.
She has developed a close bond with Jaxson and his mother Kelly Tugnette over the years, while providing transportation for their appointments.
” I don’t know how I would’ve gotten down there, I couldn’t imagine having to take a bus and GO trains and sometimes we spend six to eight hours at SickKids, and knowing Florance is going to be the one coming back to pick us up, I know that she’ll listen, she comforts me, she just loves Jaxson. She’s amazing,” said Kelly.
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