She Found New Purpose on the Road To Recovery

Published on: July 14, 2026

Volunteer Edi Arnold signed up to help cancer patients; she soon became family.

When Lina “Edi” Arnold volunteered to give rides to people undergoing cancer treatment, she knew it would make a difference. She didn't realize at first how much of a difference it would make for her.

Edi knew how vital reliable transportation is on treatment days. Years earlier, she had driven her mother to regular appointments for treatment for a rare blood disorder. She saw firsthand the stress and careful planning required and how transportation could become a barrier to quality care.

So, when Edi retired, she volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program, which provides lifesaving transportation to and from treatment appointments for people with cancer.

"I wanted to volunteer in a way that made a direct contribution to the community," Edi said. "Through personal experience dealing with my mother’s illness, I quickly learned that medical appointment days can be stressful and difficult. I witnessed patients dealing with communication snafus, insurance coverage failures, and financial burdens. I realized that while I couldn’t resolve those issues, providing door-to-door transportation services to cancer patients could be a true gift."

Passengers soon became friends

What began as a way to help others quickly became a source of inspiration and connection. Soon she was driving, not just passengers, but friends – among them, breast cancer survivor Liz Martinez.

Over the past year, Edi has driven Liz to nearly all of her appointments. Over time, the two have built a bond cemented not just by Edi's reliability as a Road To Recovery driver, but also by her compassion.

"Edi’s at all the family celebrations,” Liz said. “She’s family, and that’s that."

Edi has attended bell-ringing events when patients celebrate the end of their cancer treatment. She's been invited to luncheons, parties, and family gatherings.

"I have met some wonderful people and formed lasting friendships," Edi said. "I have been surprised by how much laughter can be involved in spite of the circumstances. While I have also shed some tears, I have been honored to be in the presence of so many courageous people who are battling this disease."

Road To Recovery: Removing transportation barriers to care

Edi’s experience as a driver is deeply personal, but the need she helps meet is widespread. For many people with cancer, the range of physical, financial, and logistical challenges they face can make driving to appointments difficult or even impossible.

Some people with cancer:

Are too ill to drive because of their cancer symptoms or treatment side effects

Can no longer drive due to age, vision loss, or other physical limitations

Live alone, lack support, or have family or friends who cannot take time off work to drive them

Do not have a car or access to reliable transportation

Can't afford the gas or transportation costs required for daily or frequent visits

Enter Road To Recovery and drivers like Edi.

Road To Recovery volunteers give free rides to eligible patients to and from cancer treatments or cancer-related medical appointments. Every year, Road To Recovery's nearly 6,000 trained volunteer drivers provide about 90,000 rides. Last year, Edi alone logged about 3,000 miles – roughly the distance from Miami to San Francisco.

Edi goes the extra mile

Edi’s commitment to people with cancer and to the Road To Recovery program extends far beyond just sitting in the driver’s seat. Edi has represented the American Cancer Society at community events, including a recent F1 Racing experience in Austin, Texas. She also attended a golf tournament, where she raised awareness about transportation barriers affecting people with cancer.

Recently, she welcomed a local news anchor and camera crew for a media ride-along and shared her Road To Recovery experience. Her authenticity and warmth resonated with the TV audience, and the impact of her story was immediate. Within just 48 hours of the story airing, the American Cancer Society received 20 new local volunteer prospects interested in joining the program.

“Edi has an ability to bring joy and laughter into difficult circumstances," said Patrick Isenberg, an American Cancer Society Director of Corporate Relations. "She offers support, compassion, and sincere kindness. She’s truly an American Cancer Society treasure.”

Edi’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She was recently recognized as a Top 100 Driver by the American Cancer Society, an honor that reflects her dedication, consistency, and deep commitment to supporting people facing cancer.

"Volunteering has offered me the opportunity to feed my soul," Edi said. "It has reminded me to be grateful for the good things in life and not to sweat the small stuff."