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Debra Sumner was grateful for the conversation, the friendly smile, and most importantly, the free transportation to her appointment at Montgomery General Hospital.

Her driver, Don Duff, provided more than a ride. He carried her red purse, offered his arm for her to hold, and held the door open for her.

Sumner, of Ashton, has breast cancer. She also is dealing with side effects of a stroke she suffered in 2003.

Monday marked day 23 of 30 days of cancer treatment. Arranging transportation to her appointments would be a challenge, if it weren’t for Duff and Olney-Home for Life.

The organization, loosely modeled after the senior village concept implemented throughout the nation, allows seniors to stay in their homes longer, by organizing neighbors to provide free transportation and other services.

According to data provided by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Olney’s senior population is expected to triple during the next 30 years at a rate that more than doubles the rest of the county.

The population of Olney’s senior population is projected to grow from 2,231 in 2005 to 8,023 in 2040. That marks a growth of 259.6 percent from 2005 to 2040, while the overall county growth in the senior population is projected to be 94.1 percent during the same time period.

Seeing the need to establish a village program, Olney resident Mike Greenhut launched his idea at a Greater Olney Civic Association meeting. The idea was met with great support; a board of directors and 30 volunteers make up the organization.

Olney-Home for Life began operating last month, offering transportation services, mostly to medical appointments. Within the next few months, organizers hope to expand services to grocery shopping and friendly visits.

They have provided about 50 rides to seniors in the Olney area.

Sumner, a single parent, said she does not qualify for county services, so she has been dealing with her illness and treatment alone.

She said she is overwhelmed by the kindness and care provided by Duff and Olney-Home for Life.

“The fact that this agency has come to assist me has been phenomenal,” she said. “Sometimes the drivers even take me out for coffee after my appointments.”

Duff, of Olney, said he and his late wife Barbara were married for 50 years, when she died in 2010. The last five or six years were challenging, as she was an invalid needing a great deal of care.

“I was her caregiver 24/7, so I am especially sensitive to problems people have, especially with mobility,” he said. “I got involved with Olney-Home for Life as a way of honoring her memory.”

Duff said he believes he benefits from the service as much as the clients.

“It’s very satisfying to do something that is right,” he said.

He usually drives clients two to three times per week, but last week drove five times.

“I’ll take as many as they give me,” he said. “Even at 78 years old, I can still pretty much do anything except for jump high and run fast, but I never really could jump high or run fast.”

He said that the clients all have been pleasant and appreciative.

“Sometimes when people get old they get crabby, but every single one of these people has been just as nice as they could be,” Duff said.

Although most of the rides are for appointments in Olney, they do try to accommodate rides no matter the destination.

Debra Otani, Cancer Care Navigator and nurse at Montgomery General Hospital, said that Olney-Home for Life is providing a much-needed service.

Because the average cancer treatment is 30 days, the transportation service helps keep patients on schedule. Previously, some patients had to use taxicabs that were often unreliable and could cost more than $20 each way.

“It’s important for the patients to have timely treatments, and we do try to minimize the disruption to their lives,” Otani said. “Before, we didn’t have many options for transportation, especially on short notice.

“Taxi drivers would often be late in picking the patients up, whereas these drivers walk them in the door and usually stay with them. This is a quality program that is very well-run, and is really filling a very big gap.”

Board member Marlene Zaborsky said that they hope to attract more clients, but volunteers also are needed.

“We can’t say enough about the volunteers we have helping out now,” she said. “They have been more than generous with their time and we appreciate their commitment.”

For those who don’t wish to drive, other volunteer opportunities exist, including administrative tasks and the expansion of services.

They continue to get the word out to the community — both to seniors and volunteers, and are working on fundraising. They hope to have 501(c)3 nonprofit status by next month.

For information or to volunteer, contact Olney Home for Life at 240-406-9209 or info@olneyhomeforlife.org, or visit www.olneyhomeforlife.org. Donations can be mailed to Post Office Box 1684, Olney, MD, 20830.

thogan@gazette.net