My name is Mark Tipton, and I volunteer as a driver with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. I contribute by providing free rides to people undergoing cancer treatment, making sure they can get to and from their medical appointments safely and reliably. For many of the passengers I meet, transportation isn’t just a convenience—it can be the difference between receiving life-saving treatment or missing it.

I was inspired to get involved after losing my brother to cancer. That experience changed my life and gave me a deep understanding of how difficult the cancer journey can be. My mother also volunteered for this program, and seeing the impact she had on others motivated me to follow in her footsteps and continue that legacy of helping.

The people I drive often don’t have the financial means, physical ability, or support system to get themselves to treatment. Something as simple as a ride shouldn’t stand in the way of their care.

What I get in return is more than perspective; it’s connection. Spending time with my passengers, I’ve heard their stories, and many of them have become friends. They remind me to stay grateful and humble. No matter what I might be dealing with in my own life, being around people who continue to fight puts everything into perspective for me. Giving back feels right.