With national cancer research month and melanoma and skin cancer awareness month beginning this Friday, May 1, NADA is highlighting an American Cancer Society program that was featured at NADA Show 2026 and is seeing increased participation from automobile dealers nationwide.
 

Amid all the activity at NADA Show 2026 in Las Vegas this February, one session stood out with a clear and urgent message: sometimes, saving a life begins by offering someone a ride.

A Powerful Start 
In its first year at NADA Show, the American Cancer Society (ACS) didn’t just show up, they made an impact.

• ACS representatives gave an overview of its Road to Recovery program at the NADA Live Stage on day one.
• Over the next few days, they spoke with dealers in the expo hall to share success stories of the initiative’s implementation and community response from across the country.
• By the end of the week, the organization had raised $54,000 — enough to fund more than 500 roundtrip rides for cancer patients needing transportation to treatment.

That’s not just a statistic — it’s access to care, peace of mind and, in many cases, a better chance at survival.

The Hidden Barrier: Getting There
On Live Stage, ACS Senior Corporate Relations Manager Jake Fratangelo shared a deeply personal story about driving his grandfather to cancer treatments. It was a reminder that while many families step in to help loved ones, not everyone has such a support system.

And that’s where the problem becomes clear: transportation is one of the top barriers preventing cancer patients from accessing the care they need.

Missed appointments can lead to delayed treatment, worsening outcomes, and unnecessary suffering. But the solution, as ACS highlighted, is surprisingly within reach — especially for those in the automotive world.

Where Dealers Come In
Through its Road to Recovery program, ACS connects patients with free rides to treatment, provided by trained and vetted volunteer drivers. It’s a program built on reliability, compassion and community.
Auto dealers are uniquely positioned to strengthen this effort in several ways:

• Mobilizing People: Dealership teams can volunteer as drivers, directly helping patients get to life-saving appointments.
• Fueling the Mission: Financial contributions — where roughly $100 funds a roundtrip ride — can quickly scale impact.
• Hosting Community Events: Dealers can organize local recruitment drives or awareness campaigns to bring more volunteers into the fold.
• Leading by Example: By supporting initiatives like Road to Recovery, dealerships reinforce their role as community anchors — not just businesses.

More Than Cars — A Community Lifeline
There’s something symbolic about auto dealers participating in this program. Vehicles represent freedom, independence and connection. That comes full circle when the same industry that sells mobility can also deliver it to those who need it most.

For many patients, a ride isn’t just transportation — it’s the difference between receiving life-saving treatment or going without.

Looking Ahead
ACS also announced plans to roll out a dealer toolkit, designed to make participation easier and more effective. With turnkey resources and proven strategies, dealerships across the country will have everything they need to get involved. And based on the enthusiasm seen at NADA Show 2026, many already are.

Final Thoughts
The ACS Live Stage session served as a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t always require sweeping change — sometimes, it starts with a single act of service.

For auto dealers, the road ahead offers more than opportunity — it offers purpose.

By partnering with the American Cancer Society, dealerships can help ensure that no one misses a critical appointment simply because they couldn’t get there.

And in doing so, they’re not just moving cars — they’re moving lives forward.
 

Click here for more information about the ACS Road to Recovery program.