The St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center has been awarded a $24,000 grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to assist patients with their travel costs to and from treatments. Cancer Services Director Lori Pietig says, “70 percent of the patients we serve drive 10 to 60 miles for treatment over an extended period of time. For some patients, public transportation is not an option, and it’s up to the patients and their caregivers to provide transportation.” St. Anthony staff will use the grant money to purchase gas cards, which will then be distributed to patients or to fund private transportation services to cancer appointments that are not covered by insurance. No income or eligibility guidelines are required for patients to receive this benefit. Pietig says, “St. Anthony extends many thanks to the American Cancer Society for providing grant opportunities to assist with the financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis.” This grant was part of more than $7.5 million awarded by the ACS nationwide to provide an estimated 328,000 rides to approximately 25,000 people.
