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Help West Maui patients on the Road to Recovery

By Staff | Jan 3, 2013

Have a car and some spare time? Through a simple volunteer program, you can help save a West Maui resident’s life.

The Road to Recovery volunteer driver program needs more drivers from West Maui who are willing to volunteer – even once a week.

Lahaina News put out a call for help during the 2011 holiday season, and Carol Hjelm and Grace Nava responded.

These volunteers “graciously donated many hours driving Lahaina patients all year,” noted Anna Mayeda of the American Cancer Society.

Entering 2013, the demand has increased. Patients, ranging in age from children to older adults, need lifesaving rides from their home to the hospital or treatment center.

Some do not own cars or cannot drive on their own, Mayeda explained.

Kaunoa, Maui Economic Opportunity and Neighbors Helping Neighbors offer transportation services, but there is still a gap for those who do not qualify for these programs, which include a 60 and up age requirement.

The Pacific Cancer Foundation will assist with gas mileage reimbursement for active drivers who request it.

Volunteers must have their own car, pass a DMV check and take an orientation class.

Call the American Cancer Society’s Maui Office at 244-5554 for more information and to become a volunteer Road to Recovery driver.