Geisinger appreciates Road to Recovery drivers

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Goodwill toward neighbors was celebrated recently as volunteers in the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program were honored during a luncheon held at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s Henry Cancer Center. 

The program, which has served the cancer center for decades, transports patients to treatment who might otherwise miss their appointments. The volunteers serve health care facilities across Pennsylvania, but about 30 drivers serve the northeast region. Program manager Jennifer Washney said Geisinger appointments comprise the majority of the requested rides in the region.

Geisinger Hematology Oncology Department operations manager Christine Krumich said the Road to Recovery volunteers help patients in cancer care with their logistics and their treatment.

“One of the stressors in treatment is staying compliant,” Krumich said. “There are people who, after trying to figure it all out, will give up. This program saves those people.”

Krumich added patients can deal with difficult emotions as well, such as guilt at the thought they might be burdening family members as side effects of treatment leave them unable to drive.

“The Road to Recovery program eliminates some of that emotional stress,” Krumich said.

Volunteer Gary Williams, of Shavertown, began driving for the program in honor of his first wife, whom he lost to cancer. 

“I’m retired, and I enjoy helping other people,” Williams said. “You get to know them. Most people tell us there would be no way they could afford this transportation otherwise.”

Volunteer Mike Sudal, of Pittston Township, is a cancer survivor himself, having battled lung cancer and undergone surgery to remove one lung. After three months of recovery, Sudal volunteered to help people in those same shoes. 

“I’m a people person,” Sudal said. “There’s no greater feeling than helping people. I feel like I’m giving back to God for letting me live.” 

Williams and Sudal joined other volunteers to enjoy a holiday-themed gathering, featuring dozens of cookies baked by cancer center staff and attended by staff members and Geisinger oncology providers. 

“We are grateful to all of the volunteer drivers who have been taking patients to their lifesaving treatments through the years,” Washney said. “It is more than a ride. It is a journey that drivers and cancer patients take together.”

The Road to Recovery program is seeking drivers who meet the following requirements:

• Between ages 18 and 84
• Good driving record
• Current driver’s license
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Safe and reliable vehicle
• Schedule availability
• Regular desktop, laptop or tablet computer access

For more information, visit cancer.org/drive or call 800-227-2345. 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.