Patients and family members received a nice surprise on Tuesday at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center after learning parking was free for all who parked inside the lot.<\/p>\n
While it’s usually about $5 per day to park in the cancer center’s parking lot, that wasn’t the case, thanks to\u2014and in memory of\u2014a woman who wanted to help fellow cancer patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This small blessing evolved from a tragic circumstance that involved Robin Rowe and his wife, Kay Boyd-Rowe, of Dubois.<\/p>\n
“Back in 1999, Kay was diagnosed with ocular melanoma,” Robin recalled.<\/p>\n
During her treatment at Hillman, someone decided to pay for the Rowes’ parking.<\/p>\n
According to her husband, Robin, one day on the way home, Kay said, “I’d really like to do that someday,” referring to the kind gesture.<\/p>\n
After Kay died in 2023, Robin decided to honor his wife’s memory.<\/p>\n
Rather than wallow in the despair of his wife’s death, Robin decided to start Kay Days, a non-profit that pays for patients’ parking on select days and during the week of his beloved wife’s birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“By the end of this week, we’ll be over 10,000 vehicles here at Hillman,” Robin said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Yana Najjar treated Kay. For her, everything about this effort captures her one-time patient’s essence.<\/p>\n
“I remember, in addition to a true fighting spirit, she also had a sense of the importance of kindness,” Dr. Najjar said.<\/p>\n
And this act of giving extends to other healthcare facilities that helped Robin and Kay along the difficult path.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Patients at Hahne Cancer Center in Dubois who are sent to UPMC Hillman for a higher level of treatment receive gas cards and parking vouchers.<\/p>\n
“We just continue to grow, and we’re able to do it,” Robin said.<\/p>\n
Robin said it’s what Kay would want.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Her life motto was love first.”<\/p>\n
If you’re interested in helping Kay Days, more information can be found at this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n