2023 Breast-Cancer Community Service Grants Announced

Posted:Wednesday, November 15, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Massage Therapy Foundation Awards
2023 Jacquelyn Project Breast-Cancer Community Service Grants

(Evanston, Ill., November 15, 2023) Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announces the award of three breast cancer-related Community Service Grants to organizations providing massage therapy to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and/or healthcare professionals. Funds for this important work are available through the generosity of The Jacquelyn Project (TJP) special fundraising initiative. TJP brings massage to those impacted by cancer in honor of Jacquelyn (Dahneke) Penrose’s life and legacy via funds raised by her father, Marshall Dahneke.

Embedding Massage Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, $5,000

This pilot project will provide massage therapy as part of the Cancer Support & Survivorship Programs at Levine Cancer. The project embeds a massage therapist in the radiation clinic when patients with breast cancer are scheduled to receive treatment. Massages given will be no cost to the patient. In addition to its soothing nature, massage therapy is also used to reduce symptoms (such as pain and stiffness), reduce stress and can improve coping methods. Click to watch an update video from this grantee.

Expanding Access to Therapeutic Massage
Bridgeport Hospital, Fairfield, Connecticut, $5,000

For over 20 years, Bridgeport Hospital’s Integrative Medicine & Support Services program has provided therapeutic massage to patients in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The program serves uninsured and underinsured patients from Greater Bridgeport, Conn., a low-income community that is over 70% people of color. The area poverty rate is 22%. Licensed massage therapists participating in this program are certified in oncologic massage. This MTF funded project uses three approaches to increase access: multilingual group education about the benefits of massage, meeting the patient, and one-on-one information about massage given to the patients by informed medical providers.

Suncrest Hospice Massage Therapy Program
Suncrest Hospice, Sandy, Utah, $5,000

The Massage Therapy Programs at Suncrest Hospice pilot program will be providing specialized and compassionate massages to patients with terminal diagnoses and their caregivers. The program aims to address the unique needs of patients in palliative care, providing physical and emotional comfort to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety from a team of trained therapists who collaborate with healthcare professionals.

About the Massage Therapy Foundation

The Massage Therapy Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity supporting scientific research, education, and community service for the massage therapy profession. The Foundation founded and publishes an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal and provides many educational resources for massage therapists, educators, and students. MTF is an independent organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, resources, training, and services.

For more information about this grant please contact Annie LaCroix, Program Manager, at alacroix@massagetherapyfoundation.org