(Lexington, MO) — Area cancer patients will have a more reliable and comfortable ride to their out-of-town medical appointments, thanks to a $6,000 grant from MutualAid eXchange (MAX) Insurance and its Mutual Aid Ministries program.

The funds will help purchase a new, lower-mileage van for the Cancer Assistance Relief program (C.A.R.).  In conjunction with Trinity United Church of Christ, C.A.R. provides free transportation to cancer patients living in the 64067 zip code who need rides to their medical appointments in Greater Kansas City or other distant cities.   The current C.A.R. van has been on the road since 2011, averaging nearly 1,200 miles a month.  Volunteer drivers took local residents on 138 round trips in 2015 alone.

“We want to replace the current van in order to avoid potential breakdowns with ill patients on board,” said Betty Weddle of Letzig Group, Inc., and a founder of C.A.R.  “This grant will go a long way toward our goal.”  Letzig Group represents MAX in Lexington and surrounding areas.  Mrs. Weddle helped organize C.A.R. in memory of her husband, Bill Schwermer, who died of cancer in 1987.

“MAX is a fair, faithful and socially responsible insurance company that tries to give back in the communities we serve.  We are pleased and honored to help the residents of Lexington and the C.A.R. program with this grant,” said Dave Wine, CEO of MAX Insurance.  “Our Mutual Aid Ministries program provides grants to individuals in need and community programs that address the needs of their residents.  When Betty Weddle told us about the C.A.R. program we were more than happy to lend our support.  It’s a great service that helps many families at a critical time in their lives.”

For more about MAX and its unique Mutual Aid Ministries program visit www.MAXInsurance.com.

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