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HCC offers valet parking to cancer patients by Heather Woolwine Public Relations When valet parking is mentioned, one may think of fancy restaurants or hotels where the reason behind the service is based on social stature or the need to make an entrance. At Hollings Cancer Center (HCC), valet parking is a service happily provided by Central Parking System (CPS) employee John Shatzer, 20, and gratefully received by HCC patients. Shatzer closes the door for a Hollings Cancer Center patient. “It’s so nice not to have to walk all the way over from the parking garage or parking lot,” said Phyllis Martin, cancer survivor and former MUSC employee in the radiation department. “We make the drive from Beaufort, which is tiring, not to mention that it’s beginning to get so warm out.” Martin’s husband, Ted, also a retired MUSC employee from Parking Management, agreed. “It’s a nice service to have for the patients.” “The service is actually paid out of MUSC/HCC budgets and has been in jeopardy during a number of tight budget times,” said Sterling Hannah, HCC. “But because this is such a needed service for our patients, and the distances to the parking garage are at times difficult for them, thankfully the service continues to be provided.” Shatzer, one of three employees who provide the valet service at HCC’s front door through a contract between HCC and CPS, is responsible for greeting patients when they arrive at the curb, sometimes even assisting them in or out of their vehicles. After taking their keys and giving them a collection tag, he drives the cars across the street to the CPS lot where they wait while patients receive treatment inside HCC. John Shatzer locates car keys for a HCC patient before retrieving the vehicle from the parking lot across the street. Shatzer enjoys his job and recognizes the value of his service. “We see a lot of handicapped, elderly, and pretty sick people come here, and you can tell that it is already such a big deal just to get to the center,” he said. “Parking downtown is a pretty horrible experience, and with the majority of the patients who use this service coming from at least an hour away, they’re tired when they get here. I like being able to make things easier for them, and it’s nice to know they ask for me when I’m not here. I’ve gotten pretty attached to some of them.” Shatzer’s easy-going personality stems from a life spent as a military brat, moving from his native Myrtle Beach to as far as Hawaii, Texas, and then back to east coast venues like Virginia and North Carolina. Currently a student at Trident Tech, he hopes to begin a career in film production with a focus on environmental and scientific topics. Although some days may be more challenging than others, like when numerous appointments are scheduled within the same time frame, Shatzer enjoys working with the staff at HCC, who he describes as the “nicest people. They always have smiles on their faces.”       Friday, June 11, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.