- "I have no one to take me to treatment and I can't afford a taxi."
- "How can I ask someone to take me to radiation?"
- "My ride canceled on me."
- "My husband's employer is becoming uneasy about all the time he has taken off work to drive me to treatment."
- "I feel too weak to drive myself."
For many patients, a diagnosis of breast cancer means long months of treatment, medical procedures and doctor appointments. Patients and families often feel the additional burden of finding a way to get to this treatment.
Breast Friends understands the stress patients sometimes feel when they do not know how they are going to get to their medical appointments. We simply will not accept the idea that patients will miss life saving medical care, because they cannot get to their doctor or treatment center.
Breast Friends provides a transportation program designed specifically to meet the needs of patients who have transportation challenges. Transportation to and from treatment is provided either by licensed transportation companies or available volunteers. Our service is entirely free of charge and available to breast cancer patients only.
Typically, chemotherapy takes anywhere from 2-5 hours to complete, depending on the regimen your physician has chosen for you and the routine at your infusion site. Breast Friends urges you to plan ahead and make arrangements for someone to be with you during treatment and drive you home. If you are unable to do so, Breast Friends can provide transportation and/or companionship.
Breast Friends has updated our procedures and guidelines effective January 1, 2009. Please call our offices for further details and referrals: (404) 252-1061.
Download complete procedures... CLICK HERE
FAQ's about the Breast Friends transportation program:
Q. How do I arrange transportation?
A. First we need confirmation of breast cancer diagnosis from your social worker or other health care professional. Once we have this information, we require a request for transportation be made AT LEAST one day prior to your appointment. Call (404) 252-1061, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 am-4 pm.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of trips I can take?
A. At this time, Breast Friends can only authorize one (1) round trip per week per patient, due to the high volume of need. In addition, appointments must be for chemotherapy or radiation. If you have any questions or would like your social worker/doctor to contact us regarding a specific schedule, please call our office.
Q. How do I know your drivers are safe?
A. Breast Friends contracts with only reputable cab or medical transportation companies, whose drivers are bonded and insured. Volunteers who choose to drive for Breast Friends must show proof of insurance, must attest to the safety of their automobile, and MUST attest to a safe driving record with no violations for three (3) previous years.
Q. Once I am set up in the system, do I need to call for every trip?
A. Yes. Breast Friends will need to approve and authorize every trip. Know that all calls are only requests and subject to further approval.
Q. Do I need to tip the driver or volunteer?
A. No. Breast Friends volunteers and drivers are not allowed to accept tips. This is a completely free service provided solely by grants and donations.
Q. Can I bring a family member with me?
A. Of course! However, please let Breast Friends know in advance they will be riding with you.
