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Coping with Cancer: The VolunteersVolunteer drivers associated with the Canadian Cancer Society are one of the few positives associated with the dreadful disease. This reporter is, unfortunately, continuing her cancer battle. Earlier this year a combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatments required a commute 5 days a week to Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital. First step call the Canadian Cancer society if you're in Toronto the number is 416-413-7406, otherwise it's listed on the Canadian Cancer Society's website. First the volunteer who answers the telephone will take down information to set you in in their system. From this point of contact it can be up to 4 days before the first ride is set up. Given it is staffed by volunteers there isn't a guarantee of a ride. Occasionally the appointment might be altered where they call and make the new arrangements first with the hospital then with the patient, they did it for me, to meet with their drivers schedule. Be prepared to wait while someone else goes through their chemo or radiation treatment. It is a great way to network with the helpful and knowledgeable drivers and your fellow passengers. The drivers provide excellent directions for those coming in for their first treatment and the other cancer sufferers are able to let you know what did and didn't work from their experience. Often times the treatment precludes using a car for those who drive but parking is costly around PMH, as the drivers will point out. A parking lot close to one of the hospitals provides free parking for the Cancer Volunteers. The one caveat is the sooner one calls the sooner this is set up. |
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