Castle Country Radio names PERKIE Travels as March Charity of the Month

The radiation transportation service helps hundreds of cancer patients in the region get to treatment.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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PERKIE Travels, a program run by Active Re-Entry that provides transportation for cancer patients in Castle Country to get to radiation treatments, has been named Castle Country Radio's March Charity of the Month. The program has been operating for over 30 years, helping hundreds of individuals make the trip for treatment while building a strong community in the region.

Why it matters

Cancer treatment can be an immense financial and logistical burden, especially for those living in rural areas who need to travel long distances for care. PERKIE Travels helps offset these costs and ensures that no one in Castle Country has to fight cancer alone.

The details

PERKIE Travels began in 1994 when Lisa Perla-Martinez was driving her Aunt Perkie to radiation treatment daily and noticed many other residents making the same trip. Since then, the program has provided rides to people receiving radiation treatments at Utah Valley, Revere, and Timpanogos hospitals, usually 5 days a week. Individuals can sign up for the service by contacting Active Re-Entry.

  • PERKIE Travels was founded in 1994.
  • The program has been running for over 30 years.

The players

PERKIE Travels

A radiation transportation service run by Active Re-Entry that provides rides for cancer patients in Castle Country to get to treatment.

Lisa Perla-Martinez

The founder of PERKIE Travels, who started the program in 1994 when she noticed many residents making the same trip to radiation treatment.

Derek Jensen

A member of the KOAL newsroom who discussed the PERKIE Travels program.

Kelly Trollin

The new PERKIE Travels coordinator who shared her impressions of the program.

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What they’re saying

“PERKIE Travels is Active Re-Entry's radiation transportation service. We offer rides to people receiving radiation treatments at Utah Valley, Revere, and Timpanogos hospitals. We go as needed, but usually it's five days a week.”

— Derek Jensen (KOAL News)

“I thought I knew what active re-entry was when I took this job and just how much more it is than I ever imagined. PERKIE Travels is amazing. Everything that it stands for, I love that we get to be a part of that for everybody to help them get to where they need to go.”

— Kelly Trollin, PERKIE Travels Coordinator (KOAL News)

“We always take donations for gas prices and maintenance. We're always looking for donations, help, and those kinds of things to serve the community better.”

— Kelly Trollin, PERKIE Travels Coordinator (KOAL News)

“Just give us a call if you need help. Any of us can help; it doesn't have to be Kelly or me. We're all standing by waiting for you to call.”

— Derek Jensen (KOAL News)

What’s next

Individuals in need of PERKIE Travels' services can contact Active Re-Entry at 435-637-4950 or visit arecil.org to sign up. Community members can also donate to the program or inquire about becoming an on-call driver.

The takeaway

PERKIE Travels' dedication to supporting cancer patients in Castle Country by providing free transportation to treatment demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to make a real difference in people's lives. Its recognition as Castle Country Radio's Charity of the Month underscores the program's vital role in the region.