The American Cancer Society’s Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham will have its annual Relay For Life event on Thursday, May 19.
The Relay kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with registration followed by dinner at 5 p.m.
Hope Lodge houses and serves the cancer patient population who live 40 or more miles away from the city and who are currently undergoing treatment in Birmingham. The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge program is supported in part by dollars raised at fundraising events, including the Society’s Relay For Life events.
“When you support our Relay For Life event, you are helping to ensure that future patients will be able to call Hope Lodge communities home during their cancer treatment,” said Jennifer Cherry, Hope Lodge director.
For many cancer patient, getting to and from treatment is one of their toughest challenges. The ACS Birmingham is current looking for volunteer drivers to provide free rides for patients living at the Hope Lodge.
“Transportation to and from treatment is a key component of assisting Hope Lodge guests on their cancer journey,” Cherry said.
They are looking for anyone who has four hours a week to dedicate to them.
Qualifications include: between 18-85 years old, a valid Alabama drivers license, requirement to complete mandatory training, passing of the ACS driver’s risk management review process -which includes a background check, insurance verification and motor vehicle record check.
Drivers will use the Hope Lodge’s insured and registered vehicles.
“Many of our guests are from small rural areas and do not like to drive or just do not feel comfortable driving in the city,” Cherry said. “Parking within the city is also a challenge. Being able to provide a free shuttle to all local treatment facilities takes a tremendous burden off of our guests.”
For more information or to make a donation: Hope Lodge Director Jennifer Cherry may be reached at 205.918.8873 or Jennifer.cherry@cancer.org. Associate Director is Cindy Perdue, 205.918.8881, email: cindy.perdue@cancer.org.
To sign up to provide free rides for patients living at the Hope Lodge call
1-800-227-2345 or email them at ACS.volunteer.training@cancer.org.
