Janine Best – Coquitlam Resident

Meet Janine Best, a Coquitlam resident and volunteer driver with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society. Janine provides essential transportation for patients travelling from Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam to treatment centres such as Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Janine’s motivation to volunteer began during her father’s cancer treatment, when she experienced first-hand the challenges of coordinating reliable transportation while balancing work and family responsibilities. That experience shaped her perspective and led her to seek a practical way to support others facing similar circumstances.

“I knew there had to be a better way,” she reflects.

Through Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, Janine now helps reduce one of the most significant non-medical barriers to care: access to transportation. She notes that the training provided early confidence and clarity in navigating healthcare facilities, making it easier to focus on supporting patients. Beyond logistics, she speaks most strongly about the human connection.

“Every ride is special. Everyone has a story.”

While some journeys are particularly difficult, especially when patients share terminal diagnoses, Janine describes these moments as deeply grounding and perspective-shifting. Her volunteer role is flexible, allowing her to contribute meaningfully while maintaining balance in her own life. She often uses waiting time to read, walk, or run errands.

Janine has a long history of community involvement, including her work with Evergreen Cultural Centre. Her guiding principle is captured in her badge: “Volunteering is my superpower.”

Her story is a reminder of the meaningful impact simple, structured volunteer roles can have in supporting patients and strengthening community care. A heartfelt thank you to Janine for her kindness, generosity, and the quiet difference she makes in so many people’s lives.