For Steven Watson, driving isn’t just about getting people from point A to point B — it’s about being there when it matters most. As a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program, Watson's vehicle offers more than just a ride; it's a lifeline for cancer patients in Markham and beyond.
Since joining the program eight years ago, Watson has logged countless miles, driving patients to chemotherapy and radiation appointments. His car carries not just passengers, but hope, resilience and stories that stay with him long after the drives are over.
Imagine being told you have cancer, knowing you need daily life-saving treatments but not having a way to get there. That’s where Wheels of Hope steps in — a program that connects volunteer drivers with people needing help to get to and from treatment.
“The program wants to make sure no one has to miss their appointment due to a lack of transportation, but we can only do that with the kindness of volunteers,” explained Mark Kahan, the program's recruitment co-ordinator.
Watson has witnessed many moments of strength and vulnerability on his drives — laughter, tears and silent reflection. “I’ll never forget the young boy in my back seat, playing with toys while his mother stared out the window. He had two years of treatment ahead of him. That hit me hard,” he recalled.
One of Watson's most cherished memories is driving three women who had bonded over their shared cancer journey. “They lifted each other up in the car. It felt less like a ride to treatment and more like a healing retreat.”
The hardest part of the job? Saying goodbye. Watson said he vividly remembers a woman who called him after her mother passed away and thanked him for being their driver during such a difficult time. “It’s moments like that,” Watson reflected, “when you realize the difference you’ve made, no matter how small.”
Along the way, Watson has learned patience, not just with his passengers, but with life. “I used to be a bit of a hothead behind the wheel,” he admitted with a smile. “But when you’ve got someone in your car who’s fighting cancer, suddenly that driver who cuts you off doesn’t seem like a big deal.”
People rely on Wheels of Hope for a variety of reasons. “They might not be able to drive after their treatments, they might not have a vehicle or a driver’s licence or they simply don’t have anyone available to help,” explained Kahan. “For some, the challenge of needing daily rides for six weeks of radiation is overwhelming, especially when appointments are during work hours.”
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the individual — it affects the whole family. “We’ve seen cases where, if people can’t find a ride, they miss their treatments. And that’s something we never want to see happen,” Kahan said.
“So my primary role is to drive patients from various parts of York Region to cancer treatment appointments at various hospitals throughout the GTA (Greater Toronto Area),” Watson said. “My secondary role is to increase awareness about Wheels of Hope since there are chronic driver shortages, which impacts how many people can utilize this very helpful program.”
According to Kahan, volunteer drivers are in high demand across York Region and southern Ontario. “We need more people like Steve. Anyone who can help someone get to their life-saving treatment is making an incredible difference.”
The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “Patients often tell us they don’t know what they would have done without this program and volunteers consistently say how rewarding the work is.”
Watson’s favourite drives are the ones marking a patient’s final treatment. “Those are special. It’s like they’re getting their life back and I get to witness that moment. Volunteering as a driver has been the most heartwarming experience of my life. You really get more than you give.”
To become a volunteer driver, visit volunteercancer.ca and click on Wheels of Hope. For more information, email [email protected].
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Markham Economist & Sun
