Many people make resolutions as the New Year approaches; one resolution could be to help others.

One way you can help is by becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer.

Despite remarkable progress in the fight against cancer, there are many cancer patients today whose greatest challenge isn't lack of treatment. It's lack of transportation.

Many people may not realize it, but there are often patients in Lehigh and Northampton counties who have to get to a scheduled treatment but for a variety of reasons cannot get there on their own.

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides free transportation to and from medical treatment appointments for people who are in active treatment for a cancer diagnosis (currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation) who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

This important program depends upon volunteers who donate their time to help others affected by cancer.

The Cancer Society needs additional drivers for the Road to Recovery program in all counties; whether you live in the city or in the country, your help is needed.

Volunteer drivers need to have a valid PA driver's license, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle, proof of insurance, complete a background check and driver check and attend a brief orientation program (takes less than an hour).

Hours of driving are flexible and rides are typically provided Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers can restrict availability to only a certain day (s) of the week or half-day or whatever amount of time they can.

You can drive your vehicle or an ACS vehicle, where available.

In order to meet the needs of our patients they will be scheduling volunteer driver orientation sessions once they hear from interested drivers in January.

If you are interested, call 570-562-9749 extension 320 or call or email Jennifer Washney at Jennifer.washney@cancer.org to indicate your interest in becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer and the region or county where you would like to drive, and provide your contact information as well.