An estimated 100 local residents will learn they have cancer
this year, according to the Carbon-Tamaqua Unit of the American
Cancer Society. Because of advances in medical research, there
will, however, be cures for many, but getting to the cures may
be a problem. Kathryn Smith, cochairman of the American Cancer
Society's "road to recovery" program for the Carbon-Tamaqua
Unit, said, "One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy
could need anywhere from 20 to 30 trips in six weeks to a
hospital. A patient receiving chemotherapy might report for
treatment weekly for up to a year. In many cases, a patient is
driven to hospitals or clinics by relatives or friends, but even
these patients must occasionally seek alternative
transportation. That is where "road to recovery" comes in," she
explained. "Road to recovery" is a program of volunteers who
drive patients to treatment centers and home again. The Carbon-
Tamaqua Unit is attempting to recruit more volunteers to insure
that all patients have transportation when