Newark Cancer Patients Will Soon Lose Free Rides To Treatment

EAST BAY, CA — Cancer patients in Newark and across the East Bay will have to find new ways to get to treatment after local nonprofit Drivers for Survivors announced plans to close after a steep dropoff in donations and funding this year.

The organization offered 25,000 rides to more than 600 cancer patients over the past decade and gave support to ambulatory cancer patients in south, central and east Alameda County. More than 300 volunteers served patients.

Drivers for Survivors was hit hard when it lost out on a $140,000 annual government grant this year, which comprised about half of its operating expenses, Executive Director and founder Sherry Higgs said in an email to supporters. The pandemic forced nonprofit leaders to cancel the signature fundraising gala and other fundraising events.

"Because we deal with vulnerable clients, we have had to rethink everything we do to maximize client and volunteer driver safety," she wrote. "We have streamlined our day-to-day operations to try to make our limited financial resources get us through this incredibly challenging time."

The program will end in February after the last rides are given Jan. 31.

Higgs thanked volunteers, staff, donors, supporters and medical providers who have served the organization over the years.

"You have made [Drivers for Survivors] a great success by helping those in need," she wrote. "We couldn’t have done it without you!"

Patients who were served by Drivers for Survivors may work with the city of Fremont's Ride-On Tri-City! program, regardless of their city of residence. Fremont staff will work with clients to find alternative services. Contact them at 510-574-2053 or rideontricity@fremont.gov.