Every day, John Berkovic turns an ordinary drive into an extraordinary act of kindness - helping people in regional NSW get to life-saving cancer treatment.
John loves helping people and building lasting connections. That's why he started volunteering as a Transport to Treatment driver after COVID.
Every time he drives a patient, he brings his friendly smile and warm demeanour.
"Being a driver is rewarding," he says. "You meet people from all different backgrounds and help them feel more comfortable."
People, connection, and a safe ride
For John, one of the highlights of being a Transport to Treatment is the personal connection. The long drives are often filled with insightful conversation.
He's heard a story from a woman who raised her children in Papua New Guinea and shared how her life transformed from living in the mountains to relocating to Australia.
He heard another story from a passenger who built a global Lego business from scratch.
"It's interesting to hear what people have done and where life has taken them," says John.
Treatment can take up to six months, so knowing there's a reliable driver there for you makes a big difference. It turns a long clinical day into a safe drive with a little chit-chat and a warm feeling that someone's looking out for you.
The movement behind the wheel
This isn't a solo effort. As part of a rotating team of six or seven drivers, John helps ensure no one faces their treatment alone.
"We rotate on a daily basis," he explains. "Might have one or two drives a week. But the other drivers jump in and certainly help and make it an experience for everybody."
Volunteering has also inspired John to give more. Two years ago, he joined the 7 Bridges Walk in Sydney, fundraising for Cancer Council NSW and discovering new corners of Sydney.
"That was a really rewarding experience. I had a chance to see parts of the city I've never seen before," he shares.
Looking ahead with hope
For many people in regional and rural NSW, treatment is a long way from home. Transport to Treatment helps bridge that gap, not only with a car, but with care, consistency, and community.
John just wants anyone who needs assistance getting to treatment to feel comfortable, and for volunteers and donors to realise the profound impact it has.
Together, volunteers like John show how much we can achieve as a community, banding together to tackle cancer.
Learn more about Transport to Treatment: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/transport/.
If you, or someone you know has any questions about cancer, call us on 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au/get-support.
