{
  "id": 11563593,
  "title": "A valet became a key source of support for cancer patients at a N.Y. care center",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/a-valet-became-a-key-source-of-support-for-cancer-patients-at-a-n-y",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-03T00:29:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buffalo-hospital-valet-cancer-patients/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kate Fink, a breast cancer survivor from Buffalo, New York, credits her recovery to the unassuming kindness of a hospital valet named Jon Avery. In an interview with CBS News, Fink praised Avery for his impact on many patients, not just herself. Avery, who works at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, parks cars with a sense of joy and optimism that belies the seriousness of his patients' conditions. His presence is such a source of hope that one might not guess the drivers of some of the wheelchairs he serves are even sick.\n\nAvery's daily interactions with patients are guided by his goal of having meaningful encounters, rather than hollow ones. This mindset, he says, keeps him motivated and helps him maintain a positive outlook. His words of encouragement to Fink, \"You got this,\" had a profound effect, changing her mindset and bolstering her resolve.\n\nFink, overwhelmed by Avery's kindness, wanted to return the favor. She learned that Avery had been saving money for a Buffalo Bills game and, through her colleagues at West Herr Automotive Group, managed to secure tickets and field passes for him. Avery was humbled by the gesture but emphasized that his role is to serve others, and he derives his greatest satisfaction from helping those in need.",
  "summary": "Jon Avery, who parks cars at the Roswell Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, says his goal when interacting with patients is to \"have a meaningful encounter that's not hollow.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Jon Avery, Roswell Park valet, key support for cancer patients",
    "Kate Fink, breast cancer survivor, credits Avery's kindness for recovery",
    "Avery's optimism inspires patients, he receives Buffalo Bills tickets"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The supportive interactions between a hospital valet and cancer patients reveal the profound impact that kindness and compassion from a non-medical staff member can have on a patient's mental and emotional well-being.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}