Cal Cates Receives 2026 MTF Humanitarian Award

Posted:Friday, September 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Massage Therapy Foundation Announces Cal Cates as the 2026 Humanitarian Award Recipient

Evanston, IL, September 4, 2026— Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announces Cal Cates, Arlington, Va., as the recipient of the 2026 MTF Humanitarian Award. The award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary, selfless dedication to improving the lives of others through massage therapy. It honors those who have consistently gone above and beyond to bring the healing power of touch to vulnerable, underserved, or critically ill populations, elevating the profession to a vital instrument of public health and human compassion.

MTF Past President Kim Kane-Santos and former MTF Trustee Steve Albertson presented the award to Cates on August 26, 2026, at American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) 2026 National Convention in Dever, Colo.

“Cal’s life work, particularly through their pioneering efforts with Healwell, is the very definition of this award’s criteria and exemplifies those the MTF seeks to recognize. The MTF recognizes that their work has not only provided direct, compassionate care to patients facing acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses; but also reflects a sustainable framework of education, research, and advocacy. They have championed the integration of hands-on care into hospital systems, trained countless therapists to work safely and effectively in complex medical environments, and demonstrated repeatably the value of touch is a fundamental human right, especially in our most vulnerable moments.,” said MTF President, Cindy E. Farrar, LMT, BCTMB, CLC.

Cates is the founder and Executive Director of Healwell, Arlington, Va. They have been a massage therapist since 2005. Over the course of their career, Cal has become an award-winning writer, published researcher, and international speaker. They have trained thousands of healthcare providers in skills of resiliency, self-awareness, communication, and forgiveness. Cal has dedicated their career to advocacy in healthcare, massage therapy as social justice, and to revolutionizing education for healthcare providers. MTF is proud to celebrate Cal Cate’s tireless efforts and spirit of compassionate service through the presentation of the 2026 MTF Humanitarian Award.

About the Massage Therapy Foundation

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

For more information contact: Teri Mayo at tmayo@massagetherapyfoundation.org