Hospital unveils vehicle to help cancer patients

FREMONT — ProMedica Memorial Hospital recently unveiled a newly donated transportation vehicle at the ProMedica Dorothy L. Kern Cancer Center, expanding access to critical cancer care for patients in Fremont and surrounding communities. "The vehicle — generously donated by FriendShip Kitchen, Beck Suppliers and Dean Beck — will help cancer patients who face transportation barriers reach lifesaving treatments," according to a hospital statement. "Reliable transportation is a common challenge for patients undergoing cancer care, often requiring frequent appointments over weeks or months." "Transportation should never be an added stress for someone facing a cancer diagnosis," said Ann Kujawa, vice president of the ProMedica Cancer Institute. "We're grateful to FriendShip Kitchen, Beck Suppliers and Dean Beck for this generous donation, which helps remove a major barrier to care so patients can focus on their treatment and healing." The vehicle will support patients receiving radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other oncology services at the Dorothy L. Kern Cancer Center. Keeping patients on schedule for treatment plays a critical role in overall outcomes while also easing emotional and logistical strain on patients and their families, officials said. "Having reliable transportation impacts more than just logistics," said Courtney Payne, a certified physician assistant in gynecology oncology at ProMedica. "It helps patients stay on track with treatment and brings peace of mind during an already overwhelming time." In 2025 alone, ProMedica Memorial Hospital completed more than 540 patient transportation round-trip. "This support reaches beyond patients," said Jodi Rucker, a registered nurse and president of ProMedica Memorial Hospital. "Families are often balancing work, caregiving and daily responsibilities. Knowing transportation is taken care of is a huge relief for everyone involved." Hospital and community leaders gathered for remarks and a ceremonial key handoff, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in improving access to care and supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. "Compassion is at the heart of everything we do," Rucker said. "Being able to provide this kind of support for our patients and their families is incredibly meaningful."