Drivers for Survivors Founder Inducted into County Women’s Hall of Fame

Sherry Higgs, a breast cancer survivor and founder of Fremont-based nonprofit Drivers for Survivors, was among 10 leaders recently inducted the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame.

Higgs was honored at the 20^th annual ceremony on Saturday in the category of Health. 

“Receiving such an honor is a very big responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Higgs told Patch. “My own health journey, which has led me to this recognition, has been poignant and mission-driven. Drivers for Survivors, a nonprofit founded to help cancer patients during treatment, was a seed of an idea that had now blossomed into full bloom.  Receiving the award in the field of Health from the County of Alameda is a full-circle moment, which will be forever cherished and will continue to cultivate the rich soil these seeds were planted in.”

Higgs was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in 2010. In her constant trips to hospitals for treatment, she saw there was a need for transportation and, more importantly, companionship.

That’s when she decided to launch Drivers for Survivors — a free service that pairs local volunteers with cancer patients in the Tri-City area to accompany them to doctor visits and medical appointments.

The service alleviates patients of stress and allows them to focus on their health and treatment, Higgs said.

Drivers for survivors has been gaining momentum, with more and more Tri-City cancer patients coming to the organization for assistance. To meet the growing demand, Higgs is encouraging community members to get involved and volunteer to be a driver. For information how you can get involved, click here.

See photos from Saturday’s Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony here.

To learn more about Drivers for Survivors and Higgs’ fight with cancer, read our Patch feature here.