The Upstate Cancer Center has received a $20,000 grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) aimed at addressing the transportation needs of cancer patients in Central New York.

This is the largest transportation grant awarded by the ACS for a facility in the Central New York region. It is also the third year that the Upstate Cancer Center has been awarded this funding.

Frequent treatments for cancer patients require much support from families, not only in time commitments, but also in the cost of transportation.

To help patients get the critical care they need, ACS awards community transportation grants to health systems, treatment centers and community organizations. These grants are available in select communities through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer.

“This transport grant from the American Cancer Society is important for patients in meeting vital cancer treatment appointments,” said Richard Kilburg, associate administrator of the Upstate Cancer Center. “We are always grateful for the support of our patients from the American Cancer Society.”

Last year’s ACS transportation grant of $10,000 to the Upstate Cancer Center provided patients with more than 500 rides to their treatments.

The Upstate Cancer Center provides care for patients throughout Central New York and beyond. It has locations at Upstate Community Hospital, Madison Irving, Hill Medical and will open its new state-of-the-art facility in Verona this summer.

Caption: On hand for the check presentation are, from left, Chris Benton, Upstate Cancer Center; Joni Richter, American Cancer Society; Dick Kilburg, Linda Naples and Tracey Gilgallon of the Upstate Cancer Center, and Mary Roff of the Upstate Foundation.