A Roswell native who watched his father wait hours for a ride home from chemotherapy turned that frustration into a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of cancer patients get to treatment.

Matt Zlotnick founded The Healing Train in 2012, the same year his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. Zlotnick was juggling work and personal responsibilities, and often couldn't pick his dad up until two or more hours after a session ended. He figured other patients faced the same barrier and decided to act.

The nonprofit raises money and distributes it to Northside Hospital, Emory Healthcare and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which use the funds to buy fuel cards and cover parking fees for patients traveling to and from chemotherapy, Appen Media reported Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The fundraising engine is community wiffle ball tournaments at Rotary Dream Field in Roswell. The idea came from Zlotnick's son, who wanted to play wiffle ball with teammates at an end-of-season baseball party. Zlotnick saw the potential. He began inviting local youth baseball teams and corporate groups to compete.

The most recent tournament raised more than $700.

Zlotnick estimates The Healing Train has helped hundreds of patients reach appointments since 2012, but he says the need far outpaces what he can raise. "I barely cover their needs," he told Appen Media.

He described the organization as "almost a one-man show" and said it could use more corporate sponsors to close the funding gap. The Atlanta Braves have pitched in, donating bobbleheads as tournament prizes.

Zlotnick's goal is to expand to six wiffle ball tournaments per year, each structured as a team-bonding event with a prize for the winning squad. He views the format as a way to grow the donor base while keeping the events accessible and fun for participants.

Residents interested in sponsoring a tournament, volunteering or donating can visit thehealingtrain.org.

What's ahead: Zlotnick has not announced dates for upcoming tournaments but aims to reach six events per year. Check thehealingtrain.org for scheduling updates.