York Hospital Expands Transportation for Cancer Patients Through Maine Cancer Foundation Grant

Through a grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation, York Hospital is expanding transportation services for cancer patients being treated in Kittery, York, and Wells. 

In addition to providing health care services, York Hospital supports southern Maine and Seacoast area communities in many meaningful ways. For nearly 20 years, the hospital has offered free transportation to and from medical appointments, providing more than 1,000 rides annually for cancer patients. However, in 2025, due to budget constraints, York Hospital reduced its fleet of cars and drivers, despite continued demand.

Many cancer patients are unable to drive themselves due to illness and depend on family, friends, or paid transportation services for rides to their appointments. To help reduce these barriers and better support cancer patients, York Hospital applied for a grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation to supplement the transportation budget and expand services for cancer patients who need assistance accessing care. 

York Hospital driver Tim Ames said that many patients he transports to oncology appointments comment on how valuable the service is and how much they appreciate feeling cared for from the time they get into the car to when they return home from treatment.

“I retired a few years ago and wanted a local 'feel-good' job. I love driving patients for York Hospital and believe we provide a desperately needed service to people when they really need us most,” Ames said.

Susan Kelly-Westman, oncology social worker at York Hospital added: “This generous transportation grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation will provide vital support to many of our patients, helping them get to their treatment appointments and doctor visits. Many of our patients face challenges such as being too sick to drive, having unreliable vehicles, or struggling to afford gas. This grant ensures they can utilize York Hospital’s transportation services to access the care they need regularly, which is crucial during cancer treatment. We are deeply grateful for the support this grant provides, ensuring that patients throughout Southern Maine have access to the quality cancer care they need and deserve.”

For more information about York Hospital’s comprehensive, community-based oncology services in York, Wells, and Kittery, call (207) 363-4321. For information about York Hospital’s Patient Transportation Services, call (207) 351-3413. To make a donation to the Living Well with Cancer Transportation Fund, call (207) 351-3430 or email philanthropy@yorkhospital.com.

The Maine Cancer Foundation grant is offered as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Maine. They have invested more than $22 million since 2015 in support of cancer prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about the Maine Cancer Foundation, visit www.mainecancer.org, or contact Katelyn Michaud at katelyn@mainecancer.org or (207) 773-2533.