A Massage For A Cause

A Massage For a Cause, a monthly fundraiser, was born out of an event I created to help one of my dearest girlfriends, Marianne Miles.  One year ago, only two weeks after diagnosis, her Father passed away after a very short battle with cancer.  Marianne is not one to sit around and mourn.  She is inspiring with the speed at which she leaps into action, putting her energy and grief into something that will change lives.

She began the team “Walk It Out” and set out to raise money for The American Cancer Society.  There was no question I would be involved.  Not only do I have a love for Marianne, but also her Father, Guy Warren.  His own battles to live mirrored my own Fathers with a liver transplant and then cancer.  I deeply empathize with the struggles and emotions that come with the fight to live.  Guy did it with grace and humor.

We held the first A Massage For A Cause on April 16th – the one year anniversary of Guy’s death.  I had a day packed full of 50minute relaxation massages.  I had hours of massage ahead of me.  That was a bit intimidating even for a seasoned massage therapist.   But I finished invigorated!

After everyone had left Marianne and I sat in the lobby and recalled stories clients had shared with us that day.  Almost everyone who came in there had family who had struggled through or lost someone to cancer.  There were tears, laughter and fellowship.  It was beautiful and gently therapeutic for all of us.  We had to do this again.  And we did in May!  A week later I went to the Relay For Life event to hand over the final donation check.

I was able to be at Siegel Middle School in Murfreesboro, TN the night of the event and it was an inspiring night full of tears, laughter and music to keep the walkers motivated until the 6AM end time.  Not being a night owl – I needed lots of all three to keep going!

What started out as one silly thing, became serious and a big motivator for me as I walked round and round the track with Marianne Miles.  Face painting became art as the painter (who told us her Grandfather is battling Lung cancer – his third cancer) created a floral masterpiece on my cheek with each flower representing a client I have lost to cancer in this past year.

Each cancer patient and survivor I work with are precious to me and I am always looking for ways to honor them.  This annual Relay For Life event is the start of something wonderful.

Next year Live Well Massage has committed to doubling its donation to “Walk It Out” so if you were unable to participate this year, I hope you’ll be part of this amazing night next year!