Cancer can be a daunting journey, not just for patients but for their families too. In Austin, many cancer patients face significant barriers to accessing vital care, such as transportation, lodging, and financial assistance. Ride Forward is dedicated to providing these crucial support services, ensuring that no patient has to face cancer alone. Every dollar you donate is used effectively to assist those in need, making an immediate impact.
By supporting our initiative, you are helping to bridge the gap for low-income patients who struggle to afford the costs associated with their treatment. Your contributions fund essential services like transportation to chemotherapy or radiation appointments, helping patients get to their treatments safely and on time. With your help, we can improve the quality of life for cancer patients in Austin and empower them to focus on healing.
Programs your donation funds
- Transportation to Treatment (Gas Cards, Lyft Credits)
- Copay Assistance for Low-Income Patients
- Lodging During Treatment (Hope Lodge-style Programs)
- Survivorship Programs for Long-term Care
- Caregiver Respite Services
- Wigs and Prostheses for Patients in Treatment
- Patient Navigator Staff Support
↗Real impact, real numbers
Your donations can make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients: for every $1,500, we can provide approximately 50 round-trip rides to chemotherapy or radiation appointments for those without reliable transportation. A $2,500 donation can cover a month of lodging for a patient family during treatment, ensuring they have a safe place to stay close to their care. Even with a $5,000 contribution, we can provide copay assistance that supports multiple treatment cycles for low-income patients, easing their financial burden and allowing them to focus on recovery.
How we vet recipient partners
At Ride Forward, we prioritize transparency and accountability in our partnerships. We carefully vet our nonprofit collaborators, focusing on those affiliated with reputable patient-assistance networks. Our criteria include ensuring that these organizations maintain a high ratio of funds directed toward patient services rather than research. We also require transparent reporting on the number of patients served, ensuring your donation is making a tangible impact.
How proceeds flow
After the sale of donated vehicles and the covering of towing and processing costs, approximately 70-80% of gross proceeds are directed to our partner organizations. From there, we apply a program ratio to allocate funds specifically for patient services, ensuring that the majority of your support is going directly to those in need.
Austin recipient landscape
Austin boasts a vibrant community that is passionate about supporting its residents facing cancer. Our local programs are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the diverse population within Texas, where access to care can be a challenge. While state-level funding for cancer support can be limited, your donations fill the gaps, providing essential services to patients who deserve compassionate care during their treatment journeys.