Grantee Spotlight

“The massage therapy program has not only helped reduce physical pain and anxiety among some of our cancer survivors, it has allowed us to connect to our patients and their caregivers on a deeper level. During the stressful time of treatment, the hand and foot massages help ease some restless patients off to sleep and allows others the opportunity to chat about things on their mind. We are extremely appreciative to MFT for helping make this service available to our patients.” Francinne Lawrence, PhD, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, 2015 Community Grant Service Recipient

“All I can say is how grateful I am, WE are, for this grant. We have been able to directly affect the lives of the patients we have seen, as well as their families. People often refer to us as a “godsend” and I believe that. I didn’t find my purpose (massage therapy) until I was in my early thirties, but when I did, it was the most natural thing I could have imagined. I believe with all my heart God put me here for this reason. I only wish we were able to help more people.” Kelly Crocken Figi, LMT, PTA, Executive Director, Hands to Help, 2015 Community Service Grant Recipient

“One of our clients passed away from liver cancer on May 31st. She began receiving oncology massage in November 2015 with funds provided by the Massage Therapy Foundation. The 8 free massages (4 in 2015 and 4 in 2016) helped ease her pain & discomfort during the last remaining months of her life. She was so grateful that she asked her family to request donations to Cancer Family Care in lieu of flowers in the obituary. To-date we have received over $800 in memorial donations on her behalf.” Jill Settlemyre, Executive Director of Cancer Family Care, 2015 Community Service Grantee

“I am deeply grateful to The Massage Therapy Foundation for believing in the power of massage to comfort the grieving and for supporting my efforts to provide Grief Massage to those in need. Our 2012 Community Service grant project touched the lives of many hurting people in Charlotte, providing physical comfort and solace. By supporting our project, The Massage Therapy Foundation has also dramatically increased public awareness of the benefits of Grief Massage. Massage therapists from across the nation have contacted me with interest in starting their own Grief Massage programs! By raising awareness and making Grief Massage accessible, I believe we can deeply impact the way our society cares for the grieving.” Aimee Joy Taylor, 2013 Community Service Grant Recipient

“With the grant that Free Fulfillment received, we were able to provide formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to experience massage. MTF understands what this work means to improve the quality of life in our communities.” -Mateen Flores, 2012 Community Service Grant Recipient.

View this video highlighting the project at Free Fulfillment.

“The Community Service Grant gave me the opportunity to combine many things that I value most: spirituality, sharing my massage skills, helping those in need, and having a positive impact on people. This grant allowed me the chance to also co-author a massage manual and to teach massage in Spanish. As a result of these experiences, many doors have opened for me. I have been invited to teach massage in other countries such as Honduras, Mexico, and Chile. I have been able to offer individuals a valuable gift and in return, I have been enriched as I have connected on a deeper level with those that I have served.” -Nikki Nichols, LMP, RN, 1999 Community Service Grant Recipient.