A Ride Toward Healing: Roland’s Story
PCF client, Uncle Roland
For many cancer patients in Maui County, the hardest part of treatment isn’t always what happens in the doctor’s office—it’s getting there. At the Pacific Cancer Foundation, our transportation program is more than just logistics. It’s a lifeline. It’s a warm conversation on the road, a helping hand in unfamiliar territory, and a reminder that no one should walk—or ride—this path alone.
When Roland Pergatorio first heard the word “cancer,” he was terrified. At 77, he thought it was a death sentence. “The little I knew about cancer, when you say cancer you think of death.” But he chose to face his diagnosis with faith and optimism. “Okay Lord, here we go. This is a journey.”
“By the grace of God, I met Andrea.” That moment shifted everything. Andrea Bacos, PCF’s Patient Navigator, saw him coming out of radiation one day. “I could see his sadness. I could see his worry, and I could see him being scared.” It didn’t take long for them to connect. “We talked, and that was life changing,” Roland said. “Lots of local style like ‘where you from? What you do?’ So funny. We just hit it off. It was like talking to my sister.”
When Roland shared that he couldn’t afford to travel for treatment, Andrea didn’t hesitate. “We can take care of that. We’re going to take care of your air and your ground transportation.” Through PCF’s transportation program, Roland made it to appointments both on and off-island—without the burden of cost weighing him down.
For many patients like Roland, treatment isn’t always available here on Maui. Specialized tests or therapies may require flying to O‘ahu, and often patients can’t travel alone—meaning a caregiver needs to come too. That adds up quickly. Flights, ground transportation, and even lodging can become major barriers to care. That’s why PCF’s transportation program is so critical—because getting to treatment shouldn’t be the hardest part of healing.
A lifelong waterman and surfer, Roland’s greatest wish is to return to the ocean. “I don’t know if I’d be here today without you guys,” he said. “I’m so thankful. I’m grateful for life, thankful that I’m breathing and I can hear the birds. I plan to live a long, happy life—and get back in the water.”
Roland’s journey reflects what many patients across Maui County face every day. From remote communities like Hāna and Lahaina, the road to treatment can be long—over 40 miles, sometimes more than two hours each way. But thanks to the support of our donors and partners, that distance becomes a little less daunting.
In the last quarter alone, PCF provided more than 575 rides, including 246 for air travel to O‘ahu, 198 for local appointments via Uber and Lyft, and 132 through Charley’s Taxi for group or special transport needs. These rides covered everything from chemotherapy (35%) and radiation (25%), to medical appointments (20%), support services (20%), and even urgent care (5%).
People like John Hamilton help bring those rides to life. John is a local Uber driver who became a beloved part of our extended ‘ohana. “Every kūpuna is ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle,’ every keiki is ‘Sweetie’ or ‘Bub,’ and peers are ‘Braddah’ or ‘Sista,’” John said. “I always take the time to talk story to ease any awkwardness or nervousness they may feel.”
He makes sure patients ride up front. “I want it to feel like a friend giving them a lift,” he shared. “If they need to stop for a musubi or pick up meds, no problem. I just want them to feel cared for.”
That aloha spirit ripples through every mile.
None of this would be possible without community support. In a place where public transportation is limited, and the emotional weight of cancer already feels heavy, just knowing someone will be there to pick you up can be everything.
As Andrea puts it, “Every dollar counts—but if you can give more than a dollar, you’ll be changing and saving lives.”
So to every volunteer driver, every donor, and every person who shares this journey—mahalo nui loa. You are the wheels beneath each patient’s hope.