Massage and compassionate touch for people with cancer

You Lifted Me Up When I Thought Nothing Could

It feels impossible to find the right words to describe what your presence did for Renee and for me as her primary caregiver during those last weeks of her life. I know we both found tremendous peace whenever you were there. Renee was so skeptical about you to begin with since she had trust issues with men, but that lasted for about a minute once she met you. You won her trust quickly and never failed to get a wonderful response from her when she saw your face. Even as she was slipping away from us, you were helping her with your soothing, gentle administrations. I will always remember you trying to remove the knots in my shoulders while reciting Beannacht and telling me about John O’Donohue. It and you lifted me up when I thought nothing could. Thank you so much from both of us. — Suzanne, Primary Caregiver for a Hand to Heart Client

Read Suzanne and Renee’s story in: Soul of a Caregiver

I am touched in my soul as well as my outer body

“Suffering through a cancer that can’t be cured is devastating, but with the help of The Hand to Heart Project, it’s not so devastating. In fact, it’s the only service that allows me to feel that sense of help within me. I am touched in my soul as well as my outer body, and it’s in that inner soul I feel the healing touch at work – in my head and in my heart and soul. The compassionate, precise touch on my sick and weakened body, by a therapist who knows what his touch can accomplish, is just what’s needed. How I feel right after a session is too much for words. I am able to feel rejuvenated from head to toe, not to mention the good spiritual feeling I am left with. Thank God for Hand to Heart. They create a positive outlook for me when there sometimes seems none.” –Ginger Pailley, Springfield, Vermont

A special gift to cancer patients being cared for in the home

“The Hand to Heart Project is a special gift to cancer patients being cared for in the home. When my mother was in Hospice, the gift of soothing touch brought peace, relaxation and relief. … Massage supports the journey and the process of dying at home in comfort and peace.” — Daughter of a Hand to Heart Client

What you people did for my wife was incredible

“What you people did for my wife was incredible. She was in so much pain, and she really looked forward to the massage appointments. I can’t thank you enough.” — Husband of a Hand to Heart Client

My sister is a client/patient of Hand to Heart, and is also dying of cancer.

“My sister is a client/patient of Hand to Heart, and is also dying of cancer. … Sometimes we (the family) listen, but we can’t hear, hear by can’t speak and speak in tones usually reserved for errant children. I apologize for my deferential tone but can’t seem to stop using it in my efforts to help. The massage therapist massages, soothes and seems to comprehend the delicate balance between today and perhaps tomorrow. (He) is encouraging, enabling and healing. He has the gift of understanding and contemplating the scary process of dying. He does not judge, criticize or promise. He revives Elizabeth’s true self, helping free her from the moment for only a short time, but what a priceless time it is. Thank you.” — Sister of a Hand to Heart Client

Getting to and through the many treatments and appointments was a chore

“Getting to and through the many treatments and appointments was a chore; the Hand to Heart Project came to me and provided a respite, a quiet place away from the noise of treatments and worries, allowing my mind the space to relax, reflect and recharge.” –Former Hand to Heart Client