One trip to a specialist is manageable. Two trips might stretch the budget. But what happens when treatment requires traveling 100 miles or more, week after week, for months on end?

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, the math becomes impossible. A single round trip might cost $50 in gas. Multiply that by treatments three times a week for eight weeks, and suddenly transportation alone costs over $1,200, often while the patient is too sick to work.

This is the cumulative burden: the way that recurring medical travel compounds financial stress until families are forced to choose between treatment and keeping the lights on.

These are the stories of five patients who faced that impossible math, and how gas cards from Mercy Medical Angels changed the equation.

The Math That Doesn't Add Up

Consider what recurring treatment actually looks like:

• Chemotherapy: Often 2-3 times per week for 6-8 weeks
• Radiation: Typically 5 days per week for 5-7 weeks
• Immunotherapy: Every 2-3 weeks for months or years
• Dialysis: 3 times per week, indefinitely

Now add distance. Many patients in rural areas or small towns must travel 100, 200, even 300 miles round-trip to reach a cancer center or specialty clinic. At current gas prices, that's $30-75 per trip. For a patient undergoing daily radiation for six weeks, that's potentially $1,500 or more in gas alone.

And that's before considering the lost wages when a spouse has to take time off work to drive, the wear and tear on a vehicle, or the meals eaten on the road. The cumulative burden grows with every mile.

Autumn: Eight Weeks, Five Days a Week, 200 Miles

Daily Treatment, Distant Care

"I was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago," Autumn shared. "Starting January 20, I had to do eight weeks of chemo and radiation, Monday through Friday. I'll probably end up needing surgery eventually. I have other doctor's appointments also."

Autumn's small town doesn't have the resources she needs. The nearest appropriate treatment center is Cleveland Clinic, approximately 200 miles away. That's 400 miles round-trip, five days a week, for eight weeks. The math: roughly 16,000 miles of medical travel in two months.

A Family Stretched to Breaking

"My husband is helping me by driving," Autumn explained. "But he has to take two months off work for it, which is a real financial blow. I'm unable to work due to my medical problems. I've cashed in and used all my savings and retirement funds."

Two incomes reduced to zero. Savings depleted. Retirement funds gone. And still, Autumn needed to get to treatment.

Mercy Medical Angels sent Autumn gas cards to reduce the cost of driving to treatment. While it couldn't replace the lost income or restore her retirement savings, it eased one part of an overwhelming burden.

"Thanks to Mercy Medical Angels, I can have some financial stability and maintain my physical and mental wellness. The transportation assistance increases my quality of life as well."

Karen: Twice a Week, 100+ Miles Each Way

Pancreatic Cancer, Distant Specialists

Karen found out she had pancreatic cancer from her new family doctor. He referred her to specialists at Hillman Cancer Center, where she would need chemotherapy twice a week.

The problem: Hillman Cancer Center is more than 100 miles from Karen's home. That's over 200 miles round-trip, twice a week. At that frequency, she would be driving more than 1,600 miles per month just to receive treatment.

"I can't afford the high price of gas for such a long drive," Karen said.

One Less Thing to Worry About

Mercy Medical Angels sent Karen gas cards in the mail, making it possible for her to get to her chemo treatments consistently.

"I want to thank all who donate because it really does help us. One less thing to worry about."

"My husband and I are so thankful to all who are helping us and others," Karen added.

Jill: Six Hours Round-Trip for Two Hours of Treatment

When Travel Time Exceeds Treatment Time

Jill was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2024. Her doctors determined that immunotherapy gave her the best odds for treating the cancer and hopefully achieving remission.

But there was a catch: each treatment session lasts about two hours. The drive to get there and back takes six hours. Jill spends three times as long traveling as she does receiving care.

"My sister has been driving me recently to give me a rest," Jill shared. "But paying for gas has been a burden, especially since I can only work part-time."

Relief for Body and Mind

Mercy Medical Angels sent Jill gas cards, and the impact went beyond financial.

"Their help saved my mental health. With the generous gas cards from Mercy Medical Angels, I feel a deep sense of relief. I don't know what else to say except thank you!"

Marcial: A Second Battle with Cancer, 120 Miles Away

Cancer Returns

In 2019, Marcial was diagnosed with cancer. Through extensive surgery, immunotherapy, and medication, doctors managed to put it in remission. He went for routine scans and checkups to make sure the cancer wouldn't return. They all came back cancer-free.

Until this year, when they found a tumor growing in his left kidney.

On the Road Again

Marcial isn't the sort of person who gives up easily. He researched his options and found that Southwest Cancer Center in Lubbock, Texas offered the treatment he needed. Unfortunately, the hospital was over 120 miles from his home in Midland, Texas.

"I'm on a disability check, no other income," Marcial explained. "So driving to treatment every two to three weeks is financially hard."

Mercy Medical Angels sent Marcial gas cards, removing the worry about fuel costs for his frequent, long-distance drives to treatment.

"The gas cards take financial strain off my family and myself. As we know, battling cancer is already rough. But the team at Mercy Medical Angels is helping to relieve the stress. I'm forever thankful for them!"

Jaime: Four Years Fighting Multiple Myeloma

A Long Road to Effective Treatment

Jaime was diagnosed with multiple myeloma four years ago. At the time, he didn't have health insurance, making treatment nearly impossible to find. "It was very difficult for me and my family," he said.

He eventually managed to get health insurance, but the treatments his hometown doctors offered weren't helping. That meant Jaime would have to seek care elsewhere, traveling further than he usually would to access effective treatment.

Survival on SSI

Because of his illness and the side effects from treatment, Jaime is unemployed. He receives SSI, which barely covers his living expenses. There is very little breathing room in his budget.

"Surviving was becoming a struggle," Jaime said. "How would I access my cancer treatments without putting myself and my family in debt?"

Mercy Medical Angels sent Jaime gas cards, helping him maintain financial stability and continue his treatment. He knows he'll likely need more assistance in the future, but now he knows where to turn.

"The path is long, but when you find the right help, everything gets better. Thank you, Mercy Medical Angels, for your help and support!"

The Ripple Effect of Transportation Assistance

When Mercy Medical Angels provides gas cards to a patient with recurring medical appointments, the impact extends far beyond the fuel tank:

• Treatment adherence improves. Patients don't have to skip appointments because they can't afford to get there.
• Financial stress decreases. Families aren't forced to choose between gas and groceries.
• Mental health improves. As Jill said, the relief goes beyond money.
• Outcomes improve. Consistent treatment leads to better results.
• Caregivers are supported. When families like Autumn's sacrifice income to provide transportation, every dollar saved on gas helps.

The cumulative burden of recurring medical travel is real. But so is the cumulative impact of consistent support.

Are You Facing Recurring Medical Travel?

If you or a loved one needs to travel regularly for chemotherapy, radiation, dialysis, or other ongoing treatment, Mercy Medical Angels may be able to help. Our ground transportation program provides gas cards to patients at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (400% for veterans).

We understand that when you're fighting for your health, you shouldn't have to fight the cost of getting to care.

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