San Antonio, TX – Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden for the patient and their caregiver. That is why the American Cancer Society has awarded a $7,500 transportation grant to the Methodist Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Center. The Center will use these funds to address the transportation needs of pediatric cancer patients who travel near and far for treatment.

“We are very excited the American Cancer Society awarded this grant to us. This grant will be able to provide transportation assistance to our unique population in need, and support as many families as possible to help offset other treatment stressors,” said Star Ross, RN, Manager of the Methodist Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Center.

The American Cancer Society collaborates with community health partners to reach individuals with limited or no access to transportation, because even the best treatment can’t work if a patient is unable to make it to their appointments. Each year in Texas, an estimated 1,800 children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age are diagnosed with cancer. Traveling to and from their scheduled treatment may be one of the greatest roadblocks. To help patients get the critical care they need, American Cancer Society community transportation grants are awarded at a local level to health systems, treatment centers and community organizations. These grants are available in select communities through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer.

Learn more about Methodist Children’s Hospital’s oncology and bone marrow transplant programs.