Celebrate two years of free oncology massage to people with cancer.
Come to our Weird Beer and Euchre Party.

You have something to celebrate! Because of your support HTI just reached the two-year anniversary of our Oncology Massage Program. You and HTI have provided vouchers for over 600 massages. There are a lot of people out there discovering how massage can strengthen them while they face cancer. We couldn’t do it without you, our volunteers, or our compassionate massage therapists. So please join us to celebrate. HTI clients are free.
See more information and reserve your spot below!

Suggested donation per guest is $20

Guest $20.00 HTI client guest no charge $0.00

See article published 10/26/11.

Photo by: Tina Yee
Article by: Anne Schuhle

Yes, they raised $2,000! On May 7th the R3 Team held and competed in the 18th Annual Constellation Brands Bristol Mountain Road Race. See race website for details. Our thanks to the race organizers for making HTI the beneficiary this year. We were so honored and excited to participate. We volunteered for road marshalling, registration and by offering massage to the racers after the event (for donation). Although the morning started our windy, then sunny, then rainy, then sunny, then really rainy, then sunny and—just as we were starting massage the racers outside in the couryard at Bristol Mountain Ski Area—it began to hail and rain…sideways! Our Thanks to R3. We had a blast and look forward to next year!

At the party at Tapas 155 Lounge we pulled the winning ticket for the spa trip on November 10th, 2010. One of our biggest supporters, Sam Roberts, won a 3-night Complete Spa Package for two at the Lodge at Woodloch! The raffle raised over $1,300. Thank you so much to Melinda at Lux World Travel for putting this trip together for us!

This raffle was made possible by Lux World Travel.

You have found the massage therapy resource for Rochester, NY area residents who are living with cancer. Human Touch Initiative (HTI) is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization. Our Oncology Massage Program, making massage accessible to those with a current cancer diagnosis for free or low-cost has been in action since October 2009.

The reason HTI exists is simple and best illustrated through the countless stories we hear from cancer patients when describing how their life changed the day they heard the words “we’ve found cancer”. Some say their breath was literally taken away and the hours and days that followed were terrifying. Those diagnosed with cancer are often consumed with worry about things like how to tell their children, whether they will be able to continue to work, and what their next test is going to reveal. They experience feeling a loss-of-control, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, pain and many other emotional and physical symptoms and side affects as a result of cancer and it’s demanding treatments.

Massage is an integrative, non-invasive and nurturing approach to addressing these emotional and physical ways cancer patients may suffer. HTI was founded to make it more accessible, to increase public and medical practitioner awareness of its benefits and to help cancer patients find qualified therapists in the Rochester area.

Medical research studies will tell you how massage can reduce symptoms and side affects of cancer and it’s treatment. But it is those who have experienced massage as a tool for them to cope with living with cancer who can tell you how it has helped them reduce their pain, lymph edema and overall anxiety.

“Human Touch Initiative afforded me massages at no expense. The unbelievable success from these massages have relieved severe pain and swelling. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to feel in good health again. I had a massage today, what a difference it makes!”
—Bonnie Mortillaro

Plans for 2011 include developing a movement program this fall that will include classes in yoga, tai chi, dance, Feldenkreis and more. This program will be modeled after the Oncology Massage Program using local movement facilitators who will modify classes to meet the needs of those attending. Also, like our Massage Program the Movement Program will  be geared to alleviate the symptoms and side affects mentioned above. Classes will be held at the studios of the individual participating movement facilitators. More information will be posted as the program develops. To stay informed get on our list to receive notices of our events and program news. Click this link:  “HTI events notices”

In the last year our Director, Kim Ross, has been asked to speak at a number of cancer support groups and professional trade group meetings (such as the Genesee Valley Oncology Nurses Society) about HTI and the benefits of oncology massage. It has helped us achieve our goal for monthly applications for massage services. If you have a group that would be interested in hearing Kim speak please contact us. It gives us another chance to get the word out and educate the community. Thank you.

This year’s party and auction, hosted by Sam Roberts in his beautiful top-floor loft and patio roof of the historic Parry building in High Falls (built 1880), was a unique and stunning experience. Guests enjoyed the 24 foot ceilings, original iron work, and a 360° view of the entire region’s fireworks—including downtown and Frontier Field! We feasted on Sticky Lips Bar-b-que, Wegman’s catering, delectable chocolates provided by Hedonist Artisan Chocolate, and wine from Glenora and Knapp wineries!

We were able to share information about HTI with a LOT of people and give them a hands on sample of massage at our Cornhill Festival booth last July 10th and 11th. We also raised $600! Thank you Ginny Weisel, Aurora Stefan, Brian Hultman, Jean Van Etten, Marsha Reed, Dan Holland and many others for helping out at the event!

Celbration of Life Bracelet

Nancee Sanders has generously offered to donate a portion of sales of her jewelry making kits to HTI if you tell her you are an HTI supporter. You may see her bracelets, earrings and more at her web site http://www.nanceesanders.com/.

Our thanks to Studio 34 and its owner Marilynne Lipshutz for giving us their time and talent for our first jewelry-making fundraisers on November 22nd. About 20 people learned how to make fused glass pendants, beaded bracelets or a “Celebration of Life” bracelet by Nancee Sanders. Visit the Studio 34 website to find out about all the amazing classes held there, from torch work to precious metal clay. It is a wonderful atmosphere of learning, fun and creativity.  http://www.studio34jewelryartslearningcenter.com/