Resident of Ladner and volunteer driver since July 2024

Aileen’s journey to volunteering started long before she ever stepped behind the wheel for VCDS.

 

Back in 2020, a neighbour of hers was undergoing cancer treatment. Friends and neighbours stepped in to coordinate rides. “We were all happy to help,” she recalls, “but it made me wonder—what happens to people who don’t have that kind of support?”

Curious, she looked online and discovered the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society. She was impressed by the service—and how quickly it was growing. But it wasn’t until her life took an unexpected turn that she truly felt the call to join.

 

In 2022, Aileen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41. Though she never used VCDS herself, the experience reshaped her perspective and deepened her empathy for others facing cancer. “In the years after treatment, I felt a strong desire to give back,” she says. A chance conversation with a VCDS driver who shared his positive experience gave her the final nudge she needed to sign up. Now, Aileen is a dedicated driver, providing more than just transportation—she brings connection, compassion, and hope.

 

One ride that stands out:

“I drove a fellow breast cancer survivor who was just starting her treatment. We shared our stories and connected. She told me it was encouraging to meet someone on the other side, and it gave her hope for what life could look like after treatment.”

Patients often tell her how much they appreciate not just the ride, but the peace of mind that comes with it.

 

“Knowing someone reliable will get them to their appointments—and that there’ll be a friendly face waiting—means everything during such a difficult time.”

One moment Aileen will never forget? A patient once told her, “I hope to become a driver too after I finish treatment.”

 

“That really stayed with me,” she says. “It reminded me that what we do isn’t just helping in the moment—it can also inspire hope for the future.”

 

Life after cancer looks different for Aileen—but it’s full of meaning:

In 2023, just after treatment, she and her family picked up a motorhome and travelled across Canada. “It was healing and unforgettable,” she says. She continues to explore with her family, volunteers with DeltaAssist, and stays active with regular exercise. And through it all, she continues to give back.

 

“I’ve been the patient. I’ve been the friend or family member helping someone through cancer. I know how heavy it can all feel. Volunteering with VCDS lets me show up for people during one of the hardest chapters of their lives and remind them they’re not alone.”

 

What has volunteering taught her? “A deeper appreciation for resilience. And the power of small acts of kindness. Sometimes, just showing up is enough.”

Aileen’s three words to describe her volunteer journey:

Connection. Compassion. Hopeful.

 

Thank you, Aileen, for turning your experience into something powerful—and for helping others find their strength when they need it most.