H.E.R.O.S. event supports CCS volunteer drivers by Julia Le Metroland West Media Group Health 21 | Thursday, August 15, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" Like those battling cancer, H.E.R.O.S. (Halton's Extreme Race and Obstacle Scramble) encourages residents to test their limits. Unlike a battle for life however, the event will simply raise money that will help fund the Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) Halton's Wheels of Hope Transportation Program. It is one that is key however for many of those battling cancer. For example, Milton's Carmella Depalma, 62, said she would have been lost without the help of volunteer drivers when she had to go for chemotherapy in Brampton six times a month over nine months. With no driver's licence, her husband working and children also engaged in their daily lives, Depalma, who had colon cancer, didn't have many options. A call to Halton's Canadian Cancer Society ended her worries. Through its Wheels of Hope Transportation Program, the society arranged volunteer drivers to help. "It's been a great service," said Depalma, whose recent CT scan showed she is cancer-free. In Canada since the 1960s, the transportation service provides patients a free ride to hospitals in Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga and Brampton for cancer treatment. Last year, the society's Halton Unit provided drives for more than 550 local cancer patients, including supporting an additional 28 families with a child with cancer. The unit filled nearly 9,500 requests -- clocking nearly 307,000 km at a cost of more than $103,600. Kelly McLaughlin, Halton Unit's volunteer engagement co-ordinator, said the service is one of the unit's cornerstone programs -- supported through fundraising initiatives like the upcoming H.E.R.O.S. (Halton's Extreme Race and Obstacle Scramble) 5-km obstacle race at Kelso Quarry Park in Milton Aug. 17. And it wouldn't happen without the 146 local volunteer drivers. "The drivers are our guardian angels," said McLaughlin, noting they are trained and knowledgeable about Canadian Cancer Society services, if clients have questions. "They're our eyes and ears out there," she added. "They are the link between clients and the unit." Walter Eadie, a volunteer driver who has driven Depalma in the past to a few of her appointments, said he wishes he had volunteered sooner than the past 13 months he has been driving patients two days a week. "You very quickly realize how much of a need there is for it," said the 67-year-old retiree. "I've said to Walter Eadie many people, in talking about the program, that if you ever want to do a volunteer job where you get thanked every day for doing the job, this is the one because people are so appreciative." Eadie, who battled prostate cancer years ago, said it's enjoyable. "Most conversations in the car are about anything but cancer," he said. "... I've heard some incredibly fascinating stories." Halton volunteer driver Steve Ellis said it's rewarding to know you're helping ease some of the strain the client -- and their families -- face. Ellis, who began volunteering one day a week, three months ago, said he can only imagine the toll it takes on those who go to the hospital for treatment every day for five to six weeks. He said he often thinks about his own mother who used the service in the Kawartha Lakes. "People really appreciate the drives they're getting," he said. Ellis, a firefighter by trade, is helping design and set up the H.E.R.O.S 5-km obstacle course. For those interested, visit www.cancer.ca/hero. QUEEN'S MEDICAL CENTRE FAMILY PRACTICE & WALK-IN CLINIC DR. MAGED MANSOUR has joined our Medical Team and specializes in cardiovascular risk reduction & metabolic diseases including: · DM Type 1 and Type 2, insulin therapy including pumps · Dyslipidaemia · Overweight · Hypertension Morning Sickness? Back Pain? Trouble Sleeping? 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