Sep 27, 2012 -
Cancer patients at the HealthAlliance Hospital Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center in Fitchburg will benefit from a $15,000 grant recently awarded by Angie’s Spa, an all-volunteer Therapeutic Cancer Care Foundation. This funding will enable the hospital’s Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center to provide therapeutic yoga, brief massage and acupuncture services at no cost to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the Center.
Pictured (L to R) are members of the staff at the Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center with representatives from Angie’s Spa: Sheila Murphy, BSN, OCN; Laura Herter, BSN, OCN; Kerry Beaulac, RN, OCN; Dr. Madhavi Toke, Medical Director; Dr. Lakshmi Shanmugham, Radiation Oncology; Lynn Gerrits, Complementary Care Center Manager; Nikesha Johnson; Lou Thomas, RN, OCN; Nancy Berry, Executive Director Angie’s Spa Foundation; Laura Melanson, RN, ONC; Kelly Gosselin, RN, ONC; Edwina Marcus, Angie’s Spa donor and volunteer; Janet Champa, BSN, ONC; and Dr. Tasneem Ali.
Founded in 2008, Angie’s Spa is named in memory of Angie Levy who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 36. Angie had an incredibly upbeat attitude and love for life’s little indulgences, which was the inspiration for the idea of Angie’s Spa. Funded entirely through private donations, the organization funds hospital programs with the express purpose of providing free therapeutic services to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These services are designed to alleviate painful side effects and to provide relaxation to enhance traditional treatments. “When we first started, it was something nice to do for patients, and now it’s great to see doctors recognizing the medical benefits” said Nancy Berry, Executive Director of Angie’s Spa.
Since 2010, the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center has provided therapeutic services and classes to members of the surrounding community. To date, patients being treated in the Cancer Center have benefited from the Reiki Volunteer Program, aromatherapy, hand, foot and chair massage, and most recently art therapy. With the funding from Angie’s Spa, patients will now have almost daily access to acupuncture, hand and foot massage, and gentle chair massage at no additional cost. “We are so honoured to receive this grant” stated Lynn Gerrits, MA, RMT, Complementary Care Center Manager. “It affords us the opportunity to provide free supportive therapies to our patients for relief from side effects and an improved sense of wellbeing. Empowering patients with choices invites them to reengage in their care and take a more active role at a time when cancer has seemingly taken control away” Ms. Gerrits added.
For more information about Angie’s Spa, visit their website www.angiesspa.org and Facebook page. To make a donation in support of the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center, visit our donation page or contact the HealthAlliance Hospital Development Office at (978)466-2258.
About Angie’s Spa:
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. These spa services are designed to alleviate painful side effects, provide relaxation to enhance traditional treatments and give cancer patients a self-esteem boost. As a 100% volunteer organization, including all of the Angie’s Spa staff, legal counsel from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; advisors from the entertainment, financial industries and more, Angie's Spa insures that all raised funds go directly towards patient services.