American Massage Therapy Association^®

AMTA Members Celebrate 2009 Support of Cancer Walk in 15 Cities

Evanston, IL – The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) and its members are celebrating a successful year of involvement with the 15 Breast Cancer 3-Day® events nationwide benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. AMTA was the official provider of more than 300 volunteer massage therapists for the Energizer Live it up! Lounge at the 2009 Breast Cancer 3-Day events in which participants walked 60 miles over the course of three days to raise funds to support breast cancer research. The 2009 tour was such a success AMTA and Energizer are already discussing plans for 2010.

“This was a thrilling confirmation for AMTA and its members of the value of massage to contribute to health,” says AMTA President Judy Stahl. “Our members are grateful for the opportunity to donate their skills to people with breast cancer and those who support them. In just a ten minute massage, the connection made between the therapists and walkers was profound. It was clear that participants not only appreciated the way their massage helped them keep going for their next day of walking, but learned how massage can be part of their healthcare and lifestyle choice.” Stahl joined AMTA-California Chapter President Melissa Colburn at the final walk of the tour in San Diego.

The Energizer Live it Up! Lounge, featuring chair massage, was the heart of the Breast Cancer 3-Day camp, as the number of massage chairs doubled after the first few events. News media in each city focused their attention on the massage therapists as much as the walk participants, interviewing AMTA members and hearing their personal stories of why they decided to volunteer.

“This was a signature expression of AMTA’s caring culture,” says Stahl. “AMTA stands for highest quality massage therapy. High quality and a culture of caring is what makes AMTA what it is and our members who they are as healing professionals.” Many AMTA members also have reported that their involvement in the Breast Cancer 3-Day has resulted in several new massage clients.

The American Massage Therapy Association is the largest non-profit, professional association for massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.3 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.