Michelin North America Inc. (MNA) is extending its Michelin Mobility Care Miles program which helps cancer patients who live in rural South Carolina and northeast Georgia areas underwrite the cost of travel to care and treatment.
The program, first piloted in Georgia´s Hart County in 2003, has since been expanded to include 15 counties in upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia.
Based on a brief assessment of each patient´s transportation needs, American Cancer Society staff will recommend the best option and work with the patient´s family to ensure that their loved ones receive a ride to the care and treatment they need.
"Not everyone lives near a major hospital or city, and we hope this program will help those who live further away get access to the treatment they need," said John Tully, director of community relations for MNA. "Michelin is working closely with the American Cancer Society office in Greenville, S.C., to see how the program develops."
To date, more than 30 patients have benefited from the Michelin Mobility Care Miles program, traveling more than 25,800 miles during the pilot program.
For its work, Michelin was recently presented with the group´s The Society Award, recognizing the company´s financial and community relationship with the American Cancer Society.
"Michelin has been an outstanding supporter of the American Cancer Society for many years," said Anastasia Kyriacou, regional cancer control director, American Cancer Society for South Carolina. "The Michelin Mobility Care Miles program is the first of its kind in the United States, and so far the results have been outstanding. It´s a fantastic idea and it´s helping cancer patients get access to the care and treatment they desperately need."
The Michelin Mobility Care Miles program is currently being administered through the American Cancer Society´s South Atlantic Patient Resource Center. For more information about local transportation programs and resources, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
