A San Antonio nonprofit that has quietly driven cancer patients to their treatments for nearly two decades has hit a financial wall, pausing its ride program for roughly 1,400 low-income clients until after October 31. ThriveWell Cancer Foundation says funding for the program ran out.
The nonprofit's ride pause was reported by KSAT. The organization is trying to raise money to restart the service. The pause has prompted the organization to seek additional funding.
The pause has created a transportation challenge for some cancer patients. The service provides rides for patients receiving treatment.
A Safety Net Stretched Past Its Limits
ThriveWell was founded in San Antonio in 2007 by oncologist Dr. Amy Lang along with community leaders Lynn Stahl and Amy Oefinger, built specifically to help low-income patients who were skipping treatment because they couldn't afford copays or travel, according to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation. The organization provides direct financial, lodging, and transportation assistance across the San Antonio metro area.
The foundation has faced financial shortfalls. It received a $200,000 grant from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio in December 2024, earmarked for transportation and survivorship programs.
Why a Missed Ride Can Mean a Missed Treatment
The pause raises concerns about missed treatments and patients' ability to navigate rideshare apps or find another way to get to the cancer center. A stopgap such as Lyft may help some patients, though it is not a solution ThriveWell can rely on for all 1,400 of its clients.
The stakes behind that worry are backed by research. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute by American Cancer Society researchers found that cancer survivors facing transportation barriers see significantly higher rates of emergency room visits and an increased risk of overall mortality, according to the American Cancer Society. Separate research presented by the American College of Surgeons in November 2025 found that transportation difficulties account for 62% of missed radiation therapy appointments, making travel barriers the leading cause of incomplete radiation regimens.
Where Patients Can Turn For Now
Insurance companies, oncology practices, or treating hospitals may offer help in the meantime. Some support may come through donations or hospitals stepping in with their own transportation arrangements.
One option already operating in the region is the American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery program, which offers up to 13 free roundtrip medical rides per patient, according to Urology San Antonio. That cap, however, leaves a gap for patients who need rides every day for weeks of radiation. ThriveWell also provides medical and transportation assistance.
What Keeps Running While Rides Are Paused
ThriveWell's other core programs include exercise and nutrition programming and research funding for local clinical research projects.
ThriveWell says it is fundraising as it works to bring the transportation program back online. The foundation's fundraising effort focuses on cancer-related travel burdens.
