The memory of an old friend brought Shirley Ksiazek to Hazel Land's front door.

From there, the simple act of a ride to a medical appointment, many times over, created a friendship.

Kimberly Smith/AJC (ENLARGE)

Hazel Land of Norcross has survived multiple bouts with cancer.

Relay for Life What: The Gwinnett chapter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life When: Friday and Saturday Where: The Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Details: About 10,000 participants, representing schools, churches, neighborhoods, offices and other groups, will walk to raise money in the fight against cancer. The chapter has a goal of $2.6 million. Information: Gwinnett's Relay for Life website Recent headlines: Gwinnett police nab more than a ton of pot  Budget shortfall may delay deportation of illegal immigrants  Paralyzed ex-husband may face murder case     • Gwinnett County news

"It's a joy to be around her," said Ksiazek, of Lilburn. "That's all there is to it."

In 1996, Ksiazek (pronounced KAI-ZAK) began volunteering with the American Cancer Society to honor the memory of an old next-door neighbor who lost her life to breast cancer. One of the programs she has participated in is Road to Recovery, in which volunteers drive cancer patients to medical appointments if they aren't able to drive themselves, either because they don't have access to a car or are too ill.

That was how Ksiazek met Land, who about 4 1/2 years ago was diagnosed a second time with breast cancer. Ksiazek was one of several volunteers who took Land to radiation treatments five days a week for six weeks and then ensuing doctor visits.

"I could have not made it without Road to Recovery," said Land, 82, of Norcross. "Shirley, she has been my main one. She has really, really been a friend."

About 28 volunteers are involved in Road to Recovery in the cancer society's Gwinnett chapter. Mary Restauri, the Road to Recovery coordinator for Gwinnett, said drivers made about 400 one-way trips last year for about 25 patients. Because of limitations, volunteers can only take patients to locations within Gwinnett, with the exception of Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming.

It is one of many programs supported by the chapter, which will convene its annual Relay for Life fund-raising walkathon Friday and Saturday. Now in its 15th year, the Gwinnett Relay for Life has raised more money than any other Relay for Life event in the country every year since 2001.

Some Road to Recovery volunteers are retired, some work full-time and make the time to volunteer, others are stay-at-home mothers who bring their children. There is a need for more drivers.

"It's just a blessing for so many people," Restauri said. "They can't believe that people do this."

Land is one of them. Born and raised in England, Land has lived alone since the death of her second husband six years ago. When her doctor diagnosed her with breast cancer and recommended daily radiation treatment, Land didn't know what to do, as she no longer drove. She was connected with Road to Recovery.

Ksiazek, a former schoolteacher who volunteers extensively with the cancer society, was the first to give Land a ride.

"I felt very uncomfortable, to be honest with you," Land said. "But I got in the car with her, it felt like my whole world was satisfied. She made me feel that good, and I wasn't worried anymore."

Land was about the same age as Ksiazek's deceased mother. Ksiazek reminded Land of her deceased daughter, whose name was also Shirley.

"We just made a connection right from the very beginning," Ksiazek said.

Ksiazek still drives Land to her check-ups and the two occasionally get together socially. They've talked about traveling together to England, where Ksiazek and her husband, Tom, once lived when he was in the military.

Said Land of Ksiazek, "She's really been a blessing."

For more information about Road to Recovery or the American Cancer Society, call 770-814-0123.