Emily Ong — Burnaby resident
Turning Gratitude Into Giving Back

Years before Emily became a volunteer driver with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, she experienced firsthand the difference a volunteer can make during one of life’s most difficult moments.

When her dad was undergoing daily radiation treatments, he relied on a volunteer driver service provided through the Freemasons. At the time, Emily had just started her first job, and taking time away from work to drive him to appointments would have been a significant challenge.

“I was so grateful that this free service was available,” Emily shares. “It really took a huge weight off my shoulders.”

That experience stayed with her. She knew that one day, if the opportunity came along, she wanted to give back in the same way someone had supported her family.

That opportunity came in early 2022 when Emily saw an article looking for volunteer drivers. By then, her job had become permanently work-from-home, giving her more flexibility, and she felt the timing was right.

“I remember thinking, ‘Why wait until retirement? I don’t know what my health will be like then. If I’m able to help now, I should do it now.’”

Emily joined Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society and quickly discovered that volunteering was about so much more than providing transportation. It was about offering kindness, reassurance, and a helping hand during a challenging chapter in someone’s life.

Making the Journey a Little Easier

Emily’s first drives felt natural. Helping patients get to their appointments and knowing she was making their day a little easier was the rewarding part.

The challenge was learning how to balance volunteering with her full-time career. Since she works from home, Emily found ways to make it work, often bringing her laptop and working from the hospital cafeteria while patients completed longer treatments.

“There was definitely a learning curve,” she says. “I don’t drive around different cities very often, and long-distance driving has never been a hobby of mine. Planning routes and becoming familiar with different neighbourhoods and treatment centres took some time.”

Over time, as Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society welcomed more volunteers, rides became more evenly shared, making it easier for Emily to continue giving her time while balancing work and life.

Moments That Stay With You

Some volunteer experiences stay with you forever.

Emily remembers one patient she drove to several treatments. About a year and a half later, she unexpectedly received a text message from him. He thanked her for being part of his journey and shared the wonderful news that he had completed treatment and was in remission.

“It was heartwarming to know he was doing well,” Emily says. “It reminded me that even a small act of kindness can be part of someone’s journey.”

Another experience reminded her just how precious every interaction can be. On her very first ride with one patient, they didn’t talk much during the drive, but the patient kindly guided Emily through the route and helped her find the correct entrance to their building. A few days later, Emily learned from the family that the patient had passed away.

“I was deeply saddened by the news,” she shares. “It reminded me how important every interaction can be, even when it may seem like a small moment.”

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Through her time with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, Emily has learned from the strength, kindness, and resilience of the patients and families she meets.

“They have taught me not to take my health and circumstances for granted,” she says. “Despite the challenges they face, many remain positive, kind, and incredibly resilient.”

Emily has also seen how one ride can support an entire family. She recalls coordinating with a patient’s daughter who couldn’t take her parent to treatment because she had to work, and driving patients whose spouses needed to work or care for their children.

“That’s when I realized my volunteering was making a difference beyond just the ride itself,” she explains. “By helping one patient get to treatment, I’m also helping ease the burden on their family and caregivers.”

More Than Just a Ride

Emily believes there is sometimes a misconception that volunteering with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society requires special qualifications or is difficult to get started.

“Several patients have asked me how they, or someone they know, could become a Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society volunteer,” she says. “I think many people assume it’s harder than it is. Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society provides the guidance and training you need to get started.”

For Emily, volunteering has changed the way she sees the world. It has made her more aware that everyone is carrying challenges that may not be visible.

“It’s made me more patient, more compassionate, and more appreciative of how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day.”

Even on days when she feels tired, Emily reminds herself why she volunteers.

“Many of the patients are facing challenges far greater than mine. If I can make their journey to treatment a little easier, that’s all the motivation I need.”

Her message to anyone considering becoming a volunteer driver is simple:

“If the timing is right for you, don’t wait. Just give it a try. A few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference by helping someone get to the treatment they need.”

For Emily, volunteering with Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is about much more than driving someone from one place to another.

“It’s about helping make someone’s difficult day a little easier.”