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Charitable Ground Transportation Saves Cancer Patient's Life

November 9, 2022
Mercy Medical Angels Provides Cancer Patient Gas Cards

Darlene's Cancer Battle

Darlene lives an active life in her North Dakota hometown. She enjoys outdoor activities, and works as a full-time substitute teacher.


But in August 2022, everything came to a painful stop. "After more than two months of testing," said Darlene, "I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma." Shortly after the diagnosis, she started chemo treatments.


Her cancer battle was just beginning.


One Struggle Leads to Another

Being diagnosed with cancer had impacted every area of Darlene's life. It seemed one struggle was always leading to another.


"My doctors are all about 100 miles away," said Darlene. Her main team of doctors is located at Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, North Dakota. She drives 96 miles there and 96 miles back, racking up a round trip of 198 miles.


Driving for this distance once is hard enough. However, Darlene has no choice but to make the drive multiple times for her cancer treatment.


"Not being able to substitute teach for extra income has made my finances very difficult," said Darlene. That includes paying for the rising cost of gas. But if she can't pay for gas, she can't access the care she needs to survive.  Her options were running out - and worse, so was her time.



Help from Mercy Medical Angels

That was when Darlene found out about Mercy Medical Angels. Mercy Medical Angels' charitable ground transportation program sent Darlene gas cards. This made it possible for her to drive to Roger Maris Cancer Center for free.


"I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for the gas cards," said Darlene. "Thank you seems like too small of a statement."


"It Is Certainly a Blessing..."

Darlene is now doing much better. With the financial stress taken care of, she can focus on what matters most right now - the goal of beating cancer. And that goal is closer than ever before, thanks to receiving charitable ground transportation from Mercy Medical Angels.


"It certainly is a blessing," said Darlene. "It's truly appreciated."

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