Giving the Spa Experience to Breast Cancer Patients
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the International SPA Association (ISPA) is urging its members to provide programs and services that will generate awareness and provide a supporting environment for those dealing with breast cancer, as well as other forms of the disease.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 210,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with an invasive form of the disease in 2005. The pink ribbon has become the recognizable symbol for breast cancer awareness and can be seen not only in October, but also throughout the year, as Americans work to raise money and awareness about this disease. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 5 percent of Americans have received some form of massage therapy. Many of these individuals are current cancer patients or survivors of this disease.
Many ISPA members are implementing programs to generate awareness and encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit for breast cancer patients and survivors. Some ISPA members also are donating a percentage of their October product sales to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
For example, the Papillion Spa at the Westgate Resort in Park City, Utah, is offering survivors a complimentary treatment and access to the steam room, sauna and whirlpool. The Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, will offer its annual half-day Breast Cancer Spirit Walk to Lion's Mouth on Oct. 15. The Sundara Inn and Spa in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., is a regular partner with the Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation in offering everyone in the BCRF database preferred pricing on a resort stay, a selection of spa services, as well as a special menu.
Purity Cosmetics will donate a portion of its October 2005 sales of 100% PURE, Strawberry Butter Body Scrub, Cranberry Facial Cleansing Foam, White Tea Rose Soother, Cherry Honey Facial Polish and Nourishing Facial Oil to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. DERMAdoctor Specialist Skin Care also is designating a portion of its sale of Outlandish Pink hyper-moisturizing lip paint and treatment to the foundation.
Contact your local massage therapist or spa to find out if they are offering any specialized services for cancer patients and survivors (in October or year-round), and visit the ISPA Web site (www.experienceispa.com) to find a list of members offering breast cancer awareness services and activities, as well as more information about the activities mentioned in this article.
Reference: ISPA members actively promote breast cancer awareness. Press release, received Aug. 11, 2005.
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