A gas card might seem like a small thing. A piece of plastic. A tank of fuel. Maybe two.

But when you're living on SSI or SSDI, when every dollar is already spoken for, when cancer treatment is 100 or 200 miles away and you don't know how you'll get there, a gas card becomes something else entirely. It becomes the difference between treatment and no treatment. Between hope and despair. Between fighting your illness and being defeated by geography.

These are the stories of eight patients for whom a gas card was the lifeline they needed.

Nicole: From Terminal Prognosis to Clinical Trial

In late 2022, Nicole experienced intense pain in her hips and legs. Doctors found a large tumor at the left side of her groin. Surgery removed it. But in February 2023, she found herself short of breath. A leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue tumor, had appeared on her heart.

Her local hospital wanted to try high-dose chemotherapy. If that didn't work, palliative care. Either way, they expected Nicole to have less than a year to live.

"The thought of dying and leaving my family was overwhelming," Nicole said. She wasn't even 50 yet.

She researched. Her brother found a clinical trial at Cedars-Sinai with a doctor who specialized in leiomyosarcoma. Hope on the horizon. But Cedars-Sinai was far from home, and Nicole couldn't work anymore due to her illness. Gas was out of reach.

Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards. She made it to the clinical trial. She accessed routine scans, checkups, physical therapy, and life-changing surgery.

"I believe God granted me another chance at life, by putting me in the hands of the amazing people at Mercy Medical Angels and the doctors at Cedars-Sinai. I'm truly thankful."

Laura: Fighting Cancer Before Her 60th Birthday

In 2024, Laura was getting ready to celebrate her 60th birthday. But just a few months short of her big day, she started having health problems. Tests revealed the news no one wants to hear: cancer.

Laura wasn't going to give up without a fight. Doctors said she would need many months of chemo, followed by immunotherapy. The best place for treatment was Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

But insurance only covered part of her treatment. Driving to and from Mayo Clinic was becoming too expensive. She had hit a wall.

Mercy Medical Angels sent Laura gas cards, making it possible for her to receive life-saving treatment at Mayo Clinic. Her sixth decade may have started rough, but it's getting better every day.

Laura is now well on her way to winning the battle against cancer. Soon enough, she'll beat it, and that will be a reason to celebrate.

Norma: When SSDI Doesn't Stretch Far Enough

Norma lives in a small town in Missouri. She had an aortic aneurysm, which was stabilized with a stent. But then she began exhibiting symptoms of coronary blockage and blood disease. She needed further testing at St. Francis Hospital, located in a completely different area of Missouri.

"I have been unable to work for one whole year now," Norma explained. "I receive SSDI, but after paying bills there's no money left."

Gas was simply out of her budget. She needed help but didn't know where to turn.

"They sent me a gas card," Norma said of Mercy Medical Angels, "which helped me in so many ways. I had some financial stability, maintained my physical and mental wellness, and my quality of life improved."

"I would not have been able to get to these necessary medical appointments if it weren't for them. A big thank you to Mercy Medical Angels!"

Diane: A Brain Tumor and Multiple Rare Disorders

Diane has multiple rare disorders. The most pressing is a brain tumor that requires treatment three and a half hours away. Transportation costs have caused enormous stress while she tries to keep up with her health issues.

"It's been a struggle to keep my appointments due to the cost of transportation," Diane shared. "If it wasn't for this organization, I probably would have had to cancel the appointment, or have to use what money I have for food to cover the costs of the gas to get me to my appointments."

One of Diane's disorders is stress-driven. The transportation assistance from Mercy Medical Angels has reduced her stress level tremendously, which helps her overall health.

"I can't thank Mercy Medical Angels enough for all of the help they've provided. I greatly appreciate everyone there!"

Dawn: 200 Miles to the Huntsman Cancer Institute

Dawn lives in a small town in Utah. A few years back, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. It spread to other parts of her body. Her best bet for treatment was the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.

The problem: it's almost 4 hours and more than 200 miles from home. Dawn's only income is disability payments. She can't afford gas for such a long drive on top of her other expenses.

Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards, making it possible for her to afford the costs of driving to cancer treatment.

"It's beautiful to know I can make it to my cancer treatments. Mercy Medical Angels has helped me tremendously. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Jennifer: Stage 3 Breast Cancer, Zero Income

Jennifer has stage 3 breast cancer. She recently had surgery and needs additional treatment, including chemotherapy.

To access care, she had to move to another town so a relative could help her get to the hospital. But it's far. While she undergoes chemotherapy, surgeries, and more treatments, she's not working or receiving any kind of benefits. The distance and cost make it almost impossible to travel.

"Any amount for gas really helps, especially when you have to travel frequently and it's far away. I am very thankful for them."

Lisa: When Your Doctor Disappears

Lisa lives in Perry, Georgia. When doctors noticed blood in her urine, further tests revealed kidney disease. Making matters worse, her original doctor quit practicing and left her with no records. Finding care became difficult.

She finally managed to get an appointment at Emory in Atlanta. But she couldn't afford gas for driving that distance. "I'm on SSI and SSDI and I barely make ends meet as it is," Lisa said.

"Mercy Medical Angels was there for me in my time of need. Thanks to Mercy Medical Angels, I am able to access the care I need."

Cindi: Hoping to Avoid a Hysterectomy

Cindi is 37 years old and lives in Richlands, Virginia. She was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Doctors said she would need a hysterectomy unless the cancer could be reversed.

Her best option was a chemo pill, with doses being adjusted as needed. But the only way to find out if it's working is through a biopsy. The nearest hospital for that is in Roanoke, three hours away.

"I couldn't afford gas for a six-hour round trip drive, as medical bills take most of my paycheck each month," Cindi explained.

Mercy Medical Angels sent her gas cards.

"It really helped to take the stress out of worrying about being able to afford to go to my doctor's appointment. I really appreciate all of the help you all have given to me."

What Gas Cards Really Mean

In these eight stories, you'll notice common threads:

• Fixed incomes that don't flex: SSI, SSDI, and disability payments that barely cover the basics.
• Specialists far from home: Cancer centers, teaching hospitals, and clinics that are 100, 200, even 300 miles away.
• Insurance gaps: Coverage that pays for treatment but not for getting there.
• Impossible choices: Gas or groceries. Treatment or rent. Hope or despair.
• Relief beyond dollars: Reduced stress, improved mental health, better treatment adherence.

A gas card doesn't just fill a tank. It fills a gap that insurance doesn't cover and that budgets can't stretch to meet. It says to patients: you are not alone in this fight.

Do You Need Ground Transportation Assistance?

Mercy Medical Angels' ground transportation program provides gas cards to patients who meet financial eligibility guidelines (at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or 400% for veterans).

If you need to travel for medical care and the cost of gas is a barrier, we may be able to help.

‍