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Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that life is unpredictable, and some changes are unavoidable. We will make every effort to work with you and your healthcare provider to make this process as stress free as possible. If you have further questions about the schedule, the program or Amador STARS, please do not hesitate to call the STARS office at (209) 223-1246.
  1. Where and at what time do I catch the van?
  2. Who arranges my transportation?
  3. What do I do if my schedule changes?
  4. Can I take my oxygen tank on the van?
  5. What about holidays?
  6. Can a family member ride with me?
  7. Are the drivers paid for driving the van?
  8. May I smoke in the van?
  9. Are any of the vans wheelchair accessible?
  10. What do I do when my treatment series is finished?
  11. Can I restart the van?
  12. Can I take the van for chemotherapy treatments?
  13. Can I arrange for a ride for other appointments?
  1. Where and at what time do I catch the van?
    The "Sacramento Van" leaves the STARS office at 12120 Industry Blvd, Suite 36 in Jackson at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, except on holidays. NOTE we are now located SIX doors east (left) of Safeway. You should plan to arrive at the office no later than 7:15 a.m. This van goes to Sacramento & Rancho Cordova (Sutter Cancer Center, UCD Cancer Center, Mercy General Hospital, and Kaiser). Pick up at Ione Claypool's Market or Plymouth Park & Ride may be arranged through the Amador STARS office.

    The "Stockton Van" leaves the STARS office located at 12120 Industry Blvd, Suite 36 in Jackson at 8:15 a.m. on weekdays, except on holidays. You should plan to arrive at the office no later than 8:10 a.m. This van goes to Stockton and Lodi (St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Teresa's Cancer Center and Ben Schafer Oncology Center). Pick up at Ione Claypool's Market may be arranged through the Amador STARS office.

    If you need transportation to local appointments, that can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the STARS office.

  2. Who arranges my transportation?
    You are responsible for calling the Amador STARS office at 209-223-1246 to sign-up for transportation. Please call the Amador STARS office as soon as you know when your first treatment day will be, preferably at least one week in advance. Please be prepared to provide details of your appointments including location of treatments, starting date, appointment time, and length of series. We cannot put you on the van schedule without this information.

  3. What do I do if my schedule changes?
    You are responsible for calling the Amador STARS office with any changes or cancellations in your schedule or if you have made other transportation arrangements for any length of time. The van drivers are not responsible for advising the office of changes. Please call and leave a message as soon as you are aware of any changes.

  4. Can I take my oxygen tank on the van?
    Large oxygen tanks on wheels are not permitted on the van for safety reasons but small personal tanks are allowed.

  5. What about holidays?
    Van transportation is not available on
    • New Year’s Day
    • President’s Day
    • Memorial Day
    • July 4th
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving and the day after
    • Christmas

    Most of the treatment offices are closed on major holidays, and sometimes the day before or after. You are responsible for advising the Amador STARS office of your treatment office’s schedule during all holiday periods.

  6. Can a family member ride with me?
    Family members are welcome to accompany you as long as space allows. Always check with the Amador STARS office in advance. You will almost always be riding with other passengers.

  7. Are the drivers paid for driving the van?
    No, they are strictly volunteers. Please do not offer to tip them or pay for gas. However, if you would like to show your appreciation for this service, you may make a donation to Amador STARS.

  8. May I smoke in the van?
    No smoking is allowed.

  9. Are any of the vans wheelchair accessible?
    Yes! The Amador STARS has a wheelchair adaptable van. We can transport 1 wheelchair patient and 2 to 3 other riders in this van. Our 2 regular vans can transport up to 6 ambulatory riders. Please call the office for more information.

  10. What do I do when my treatment series is finished?
    Please call the Amador STARS office as soon as you know when your final treatment day will be, preferably at least one week in advance. Demand for this service can be heavy at times and we would not want to turn anyone away unnecessarily.

  11. Can I restart the van?
    Yes. You must call the Amador STARS office to be placed back on the van schedule so we can confirm all the details with you. Please do not just “show up” as we may not have space for you and it puts the drivers in an awkward position.

  12. Can I take the van for chemotherapy treatments?
    Yes! STARS offers transporation to chemotherapy appointments. Please call the STARS office for more details.

  13. Can I arrange for a ride for other appointments?
    Not at this time. We do not offer rides for blood tests, x-rays, shots, CT scans, Pet scans or any other doctor appointments. We currently do not have the drivers and vans to accommodate these appointments. Transportation is only for Chemo & Radiation cancer treatments at this time.
last update: May 12, 2009