Leominster, MA – Recently, The Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center partnered with “Paint BeCAUSE” and The Luxury Box to raise funds for the Angie’s Spa Grant Program. Approximately 30 people attended the event raising $448 for the program. For the fourth year in a row, cancer patients at the Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center of UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital in Fitchburg will receive free therapeutic services thanks to a grant from Angie’s Spa, a charitable, all-volunteer organization. Since 2012, the funding has enabled the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center to provide free hand, foot and chair massage, acupuncture, and yoga services to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. This year’s grant increase will allow for the addition of a Certified Music Practitioner.
“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. Angie’s Spa is funded entirely through private donations, 100% of which go directly toward similar hospital programs. UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital is one of only seven hospitals in the country to benefit from the organization’s generosity and mission. Founded in 2008, Angie’s Spa is named in memory of Angie Levy, a breast cancer survivor of nine years, before succumbing to the disease at the young age of 36 in 2007. It was Angie’s upbeat attitude and love for life’s small indulgences that inspired the idea of Angie’s Spa. These services are designed to alleviate painful side effects and to provide relaxation to enhance traditional treatments.
Since 2010, the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center has provided a variety of therapeutic services and classes to members of the surrounding communities. However, its mission also includes the integration of these healing and supportive therapies with traditional medical care throughout the cancer center and hospital. “Many patients tell me that although they had the choice to receive their chemotherapy and/or radiation at a different hospital, including Boston, they choose to receive their cancer care here. They cite ease of access to our services (multiple services are offered almost daily), testimonials from other patients who experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety, as well as the overall comprehensive care offered at our cancer center…from diagnosis to survivorship,” said Lynn Gerrits, Manager of the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center.
The next scheduled fundraiser to benefit the Angie’s Spa program will be an Uno’s Doughraiser scheduled for Thursday, December 17 where Uno’s will donate 20% of the check to the program Call 978-665-5800 for more information.
For more information about the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center, visit their website at www.simondshurd.com.
To make a donation in support of the Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Center, contact the UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital Development Office at 978-466-2258.