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 A little about who I am. I entered massage school with the hope of learning how to deal with my own chronic muscular pain. Truth be told, my husband, Glen, said to me one day, “You need a real job, you’re having too much fun in pottery, you’re too young to retire. I might be laid off someday.” The next day an article appeared in the newspaper, as God speaks to me through the paper often. The article was about massage therapy school. For 10 years I had been a hemodialysis technician, so I thought, “ok I can get back into a medical setting as a Massage Therapist While in massage school my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She encouraged me to stay in school. It was then I realized I had to take my massage training to a higher level. This life changing event helped to define my goal. To reach this goal I sought out ‘cancer and massage’ courses by three nationally certified instructors; Gayle MacDonald, Tracy Walton and Nancy Scmitt. As a hospice volunteer I was trained in palliative care. I complement my massage therapy program with The Lebed Method a movement therapy designed by Sherry Lebed Davis. During this journey I initiated a complementary care program, offering free massage to patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment and their caregivers. The program is now offered at two other facilities. As a Massage Therapist I am passionate about massage therapy for cancer patients. It is of utmost importance that we, as Massage Therapists, are recognized as support staff in cancer centers. In a hospital setting, our profession has the unique opportunity to make a difference, one patient at a time. We are a small group, but we are growing as patients recognize how massage decreases their symptoms. Each time a patient reports to their physician how massage was beneficial during treatment, another door is opened for more opportunities for massage in the healthcare setting. As a consultant for Lindi Skin® , I am pleased to bring you information on a skincare line dedicated to helping patients with cancer look and feel their best during and after their treatments. I am also a Certified Lebed Method Instructor. The Lebed Method® is a unique movement therapy program for patients with cancer and others dealing with chronic pain. The systematic movements mimic Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage and can be taught to any patient with lymphedema or at risk for lymphedema. Being a potter, I understand the healing power of art. I look forward to sharing with you my love of pottery and how often it has had a calming effect on me during stressful times. The Relaxation Response can be achieved with our hobbies and interests. During sickness it is very important, when possible, to maintain those interests that you care about. For more information on Lindi Skin, The Lebed Method or Healing Arts please email me at Toni@acaringtouchforcancer.com
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