DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Luxury motor coach service Vonlane has partnered with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to provide cancer patients traveling to and from the treatment center with discounted, fully refundable travel on Vonlane’s fleet.
The partnership was forged in response to a growing number of cancer patients seeking transportation with Vonlane. Many of these patients have been advised by their doctors to avoid airlines due to immunosuppression following rounds of cancer treatment, which increases the likelihood of patients contracting illnesses from lingering microbes in mass-transit airports or in the close-quarters environment of airline cabins. Patients also say the fatigue caused by cancer treatment makes it difficult to drive or navigate the walking involved in airport terminals.
“Vonlane has become an important part of our patients’ treatment plans in the Texas Triangle. As airline and personal car travel may be too taxing or problematic for some patients, we’re pleased to offer patients a safe, easy, comfortable, and reduced-fare solution with Vonlane,” said Gretchen E. Vaughan, senior director of development for MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“We are honored to partner with MD Anderson and provide their patients with the very best accommodations to and from treatment,” said Alex Danza, founder and CEO of Vonlane. “We’re committed to providing a more comfortable and affordable travel alternative overall and especially for cancer patients in Texas. Our passenger-first culture ensures patients experience the same care and compassion while in transit as they do at home or at MD Anderson.”
The discount program is available to all MD Anderson cancer patients traveling to Houston for treatment from Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio. The reservations are 100% refundable and not subject to cancellation policies. Additionally, for each paying MD Anderson passenger, Vonlane will contribute to MD Anderson’s indigent patient travel program in the form of account credits for the cancer center’s use.
According to John C. Schweitzer, an MD Anderson Board of Visitors member, “As an avid and frequent Vonlane traveler, I readily saw an opportunity to enhance our patients’ lives by making their travel for treatment easier, friendlier, and more affordable. I’m thrilled Vonlane teamed with us to offer a discount for our patients and also stepped up to create a travel fund for our indigent patients.”
“I knew when Alex and Gretchen began collaborating that something good would result. Gretchen is a terrific asset for MD Anderson; I can’t imagine a more effective, respected ambassador for our exceptionally critical health care institution. Alex is a talented businessman and visionary who clearly understands the importance of putting customers first and shares our passion for MD Anderson. They have created an immense added value for our patients,” noted Schweitzer.
Vonlane’s Houston terminal is located in downtown Houston, approximately five miles from MD Anderson’s facility. The coach operates four weekday arrivals and departures in Houston from each of Vonlane’s locations in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Additionally, the coach provides weekend service.
To secure the discount, patients must book directly through MD Anderson’s travel department.
