Karin Paalman lives on the slopes of Manoa Valley, up a zigzagging road, far from a bus stop and impossible for her to reach on foot since cancer started taking its toll last summer.

Getting to daily blood tests, chemotherapy treatments and doctor appointments is a constant struggle in her weakened condition. Because she can’t work and is on a limited budget, hiring a taxi is out of the question, and her medical insurance doesn’t cover transportation. Paalman depends on the Handi-Van, but because it’s so overbooked, she has to wait hours for it to arrive while feeling drained and nauseated, and often misses appointments because the van is so late, she said.

The American Cancer Society has provided the one bright spot in the past few weeks by sending someone to give her free rides to and from her appointments.

The ACS’ Road to Recovery program was formed to drive patients like Paalman, but unfortunately, the rides have been “very few and far between” because there aren’t enough volunteers, she said. Paalman was overjoyed when Jesse Jones first came to her door and allowed her little therapy dog, Luna, to come along.

“Jesse was just wonderful — the fact that he would give his time and his gas money and his energy to do this,” Paalman said.

Christine Hinds, a longtime manager of the Road to Recovery program, said “it’s been a huge challenge to recruit volunteers” throughout the state. With the increase in cancer patients since the national program started in the 1980s, “we have very minimum coverage, unfortunately,” with only 130 regular drivers statewide. She estimated the program needs 60 to 70 more.

“On Oahu we’re fulfilling only about 40 percent of our requests; statewide, only 28 percent,” Hinds said. For example, last year on Oahu, the cancer society filled just over 1,000 requests for rides of about 2,200, she added. Most of her volunteers are retired or part-time workers, she said.

“We have a lot of cancer survivors who just want to give back.”

Drivers are asked to work only a minimum of five to 10 hours a month, and they may choose which requests to fulfill, she said. Background and driving record checks are required.

Hinds maintains the reason for the shortage of volunteers is that Hawaii residents suffer some disadvantages that mainlanders do not. Traffic is a major hindrance — “We not only have traffic during rush hour, we have traffic all the time.” Hawaii’s high gas prices also are a stumbling block, she added.

“Because of the time commitment, (being a driver) just doesn’t work for a lot of people.” With the cost of living so high in Hawaii, people often have to work more than one job. Most of the cancer-related appointments are during business hours Mondays through Fridays, and that’s when most people work, Hinds said.

Volunteers usually start dropping out after two years because their schedules change or they get burned out, she said. “It’s hard to say no. They know the patients need this transportation, and a lot will forgo their treatment” if they don’t have a ride.

Jones said he signed up to drive immediately after he found out about the program in June at a cancer support group meeting. As someone who has survived recurrent throat cancer, Jones said he is always looking for ways to inspire and share his joy for life with others.

He drives patients in his plush Mercedes-Benz at least two or three times a week, sometimes daily when they need radiation. And he always asks for patients who live farthest from town and who might find it harder to get rides, he said.

Jones speaks in a whisper, but it doesn’t prevent him from getting to know his patients well.

“Last week,” he said, “the patient found out they had a cancer for the fourth time. They have a wonderful spirit, and we laughed and cried with each other all the way home to Ewa Beach. I gave them a hug as they got out of the car. I have a supply of Happy Pills (stuffed toys) that I give out to some patients. It’s a wonderful gift for them to remember to laugh. It is very rewarding to hear their joy and laughter.”

The pill-shaped toy emits a contagious child’s laugh when a button is pressed.

Paalman said, “I play it five times a day. It’s hard to be depressed when you hear it.”

Jones, a retired Realtor and financial planner, is still suffering the effects of the disease almost 30 years after his last bout with cancer. Besides losing his voice, he lost the use of his dominant left hand and the ability to swallow food. He has a feeding tube in his stomach, and long clear tubes running from his nose connect him to oxygen 24 hours a day.

In spite of his problems, he said, “I’m very blessed, very thankful, I’m very grateful for my life. Four years ago I had an epiphany about life and my body and mind. I realized that who I am is much bigger than my body or my thoughts. So as a result there’s nothing physically or mentally that keeps me today from being joyful.”

He doesn’t follow any particular religion, but said, “I know I’m part of the source of life,” adding, “My knowing that enables me to love you and not judge or criticize you, and not be negative with myself or you.”

Anne Dewey has been driving for the program a few times a month since it was known as Angels on Wheels in the 1970s. She lives in Windward Oahu, so doesn’t mind taking patients who live there to their Honolulu appointments.

“I can say 100 percent with honest conviction I have never regretted a volunteer driving experience. I come away happy, satisfied and renewed. You meet the most amazing people during these drives over the hill. I met a woman who was nearly blind, had cancer, had a sore shoulder and walked with a cane. She was the most generous, loving, interesting person I have ever met! She shared parts of her life story with me, and I shared mine.

“Helping people is the best way to forget about your own problems, and it reminds me that we are all connected. Every good deed comes right back to help us feel connected to every other human being,” Dewey said.