Several years ago, I had the honor to volunteer at Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. I went once a week for about 3 years. I provided free hand or foot massage to patients as they received chemotherapy. The program is organized by the Oncology Massage Alliance. Once I learned about OMA, who is based in Austin, TX I reached out to find out how I could bring this fabulous service to my hometown. 
What an honor to be in THIS facility… where I provided hand and foot massage for my sister, Joyce, while she was receiving chemo many years earlier. The massage was a relief for Joyce and an honor for me. I made a difference in her experience as she sat in the chemo chair. She relaxed more. She stressed less, even if for a brief time. She often dozed. She brought special lotion for me to use. The massage made a difference in our relationship. She trusted me more. Our love deepened. It was a difficult time, but one that I’ll never forget.
As I moved from patient to patient offering my services, someone always declined. It was upon prompting from their loved-one – their caregiver – when they would reluctantly say, “OK”; and then love every minute of the massage!
The caregiver was pleased that their loved-one accepted the service. They would strike up conversation, sit quietly watching, or step away for a much-needed break while I massaged. Occasionally, a caregiver would ask me to show them what I was doing.
It was such an honor that touched me every. single. time! I gave them step-by-step instruction: How I was moving slowly with gentle pressure along the top of the foot, to the bottom of the foot and around the ankles.
Once they observed for a few minutes, I offered them lotion and the other foot. They would smile at me, smile at the patient, and hesitantly take the lotion, rub it between their palms and being massaging the other foot. Unsure at first and then gaining confidence as the patient leaned back and closed their eyes.
This simple act of touch is the beginning of a deeper bond, a deeper love and deeper trust between patient and caregiver. The caregiver now has the confidence to provide gentle foot massage at home at any time!
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The caregiver is empowered to do “something” when nothing else seems to work.
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The caregiver no longer has to fear touching their loved one.
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The caregiver provides touch without the fear about making them worse.
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The caregiver feels more confident in knowing how to help.
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The caregiver no longer feels helpless.