Wheels of Hope: Vital program provides ‘a wonderful comfort’

Nigel Cox had been looking for a post-retirement volunteer opportunity when a friend introduced him to the Wheels of Hope program.

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Like most of us, Cox’s life had been touched by cancer. Three of his six siblings had battled the disease. He had lost a brother and both parents. So when his friend, a longtime driver with the program, suggested that Cox sign up, it seemed a good fit.

Six years later, the 72-year-old volunteer has, like his friend, become a vocal advocate for what he describes as a “vital service.” Administered by the Canadian Cancer Society, Wheels of Hope is a simple program — volunteer drivers help cancer patients to and from cancer-specific medical appointments or needed supportive care services.

“This is a service that is really, really important,” Cox said. “I think most of us have experienced cancer in our family or among friends. If there wasn’t a service like Wheels of Hope, I’d really be worried about how some people would get their treatment.”

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Despite the simplicity of the program, and a built-in flexibility for its drivers, the Wheels of Hope program is in desperate need of volunteer drivers in the Oxford County region.

Cox has speculated about this dwindling number of volunteers in recent years, suggesting the anxiety kindled by the COVID-19 pandemic might play a role. He also said some potential volunteers could be concerned about the time commitment of this volunteer position while others just might be worried about what they might say to a cancer patient.

“People are a little wary,” Cox admitted. “They don’t know what they’re going to say to someone who has cancer — cancer is a scary thing — but it’s the opposite. . . . You have really good conversations. It’s a rewarding experience.

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“It’s an honor to drive these people.”

Cox also emphasized the program’s flexibility for its volunteers. Since the drivers set their own availability — letting administrators know what days and times they’re available — the time commitment is not onerous, he said.

“We get a request, we call the client and make arrangements for pickup to take them to the hospital for their treatments, and we take them home afterwards. It’s not taxing,” Cox said.

Drivers are also not obligated to take on a request, he added.

“I’m not forced to take a ride,” Cox said. “I can deny the ride and someone else can pick up. That gives me a lot of flexibility. That’s one of the real positive attributes — you’re not tied to it.

“You’re in a position where you can make the decision on your own whether you take the ride or not.”

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But the most compelling aspect of his involvement, Cox said, is simply helping.

“Wheels of Hope is a vital service. It’s not just a nice thing to do,” he said.

Some patients might not be well enough to drive themselves to appointments. Others might not be able to afford a car. Some might be uncomfortable driving through the city to get to their appointments. There are clients who do not have family available to get them to appointments.

“And some of the appointments can go on for weeks,” Cox said. “It’s very tiring (for them). These people can get very worn out if they’re trying to drive there on their own.

“The more that I’ve worked with Wheels of Hope, the more apparent it has become how important it is to help people who are going through cancer. . . . We take that pressure from them. We’ll get you there and pick you up, and make it easy for you.”

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Without options to get there, some patients simply skip their appointments, Canadian Cancer Society officials haven’t noted.

Kenneth Glavin, an Oxford County cancer survivor, was grateful for the service during his treatments. The Tillsonburg resident had to endure 15 rounds of radiation for the skin cancer he contracted from sun exposure.

“The drivers were very good to me,” Glavin said. “They were here every day for me. . . . It was a wonderful (comfort). It’s like they’re part of the family.”

The volunteer requirements for Wheels of Hope are straightforward.

Volunteers need to be:

• Available Monday to Friday for a half-day a week or a few times a month for at least six months;
• Have a valid driver’s license with three or less demerits;
• Operate a smoke-free vehicle; and
• Be willing to undergo a criminal background check and provide references.

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Volunteers are also reimbursed for mileage or, if preferred, provided with a tax receipt.

“The customers are very, very grateful,” Cox said. “You really are helping them along during their experience. Caregivers are also very grateful because they get a little bit of relief from what they’re doing.

“Everyone I know who is involved with it loves it,” Cox added. “They really enjoy it. It’s a very good feeling to spend the day helping somebody, and it’s not overtaxing.

“Once you’re into it, you’re thrilled to be involved.”

HOW TO SIGN UP

Visit volunteercancer.ca and then click on Wheels of Hope
For more information, email [email protected] or call 1-888-939-3333

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