Angie's Spa Helps Patients Heal
Thanks to the generosity of the Angie's Spa, Organization, Northridge Hospital Leavey Cancer Center was able to implement a pilot program offering free massages to over 300 cancer patients in 2009. The program, which ran April through December 2009, offered free onsite massages to those receiving outpatient treatments. Services included hand/foot, neck/shoulder, and chair massages.
The program initially employed one part time massage therapist once a week, and only offered therapy to those receiving outpatient treatment. Now,
due to the program’s success
, and the expressed want of the patients,
there is a need to expand the program
to incorporate two full days of massage schedules, and allow services to be proffered to those receiving inpatient as well as outpatient treatments. So much enthusiasm was expressed toward this program, and in an attempt to appeal to patients on a greater scale, we are now employing both a male and female masseuse.
For people affected by cancer, complementary and holistic treatments have been proven to decrease stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue by reducing pain and alleviating some of the side effects of traditional medical treatments.
Angie's Spa provides cancer patients a break from a life of managing the disease and gives them a gift for their spirit, their soul and their self esteem.
The hospital is very fortunate to offer these complimentary care services and the patients that have experienced these massages and touch techniques have expressed great appreciation for the program.
Our patients thank Angie's Spa for the wonderful support, and here are a few patient comments:
- "I enjoyed the foot and hand massage today so much that I feel totally relaxed! Sandy is a very special lady who made me feel good. I can see she loves what she does for others. It is these dedicated people that add comfort to my healing.”
- “Sandy did an excellent foot massage...very relaxing. She was pleasant and professional and I appreciated this new service."
- "Thanks so much...I have blood flowing again in my feet."
-
"This was the perfect thing to have today. A day of beauty -- it left me feeling very comfortable. The warmth of your hands felt good on my cold feet. It was a great experience."
If you would like to purchase a massage for a cancer patient you can do so now by clicking on the “donate online” at the top of the page.
First time donors will have to register. Once registered you simply pull down “designation” tab and choose
Angie’s Spa Massage for Cancer Patients
. The cost of a massage is $25 and lasts for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the patient.
You can learn more about
Angie's Spa
by going to their website. Founded in memory of Angie Levy. Angie’s Spa is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds hospital programs across the country with the express purpose of providing FREE therapeutic spa services to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Angie’s Spa is an all volunteer organization that is funded entirely through private donations, and 100% of donations go directly toward hospital programs.
