Complimentary Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

Several years ago I met a woman named Mala Rhodes. Mala was in the process of finishing up a certification as a massage therapist. I was very excited. Having moved from California, near the Napa Valley, I was a massage aficionado. Well, I thought I was.

Mala explained to me that she was getting her certification because her long term goal was to open a Complimentary Care facility for cancer patients.

Talk about a humbling experience. I had no idea of the dynamics of massage and the therapeutic properties associated with it. I just thought I was enjoying a girly moment and was just pampering myself. Most masseuses promote therapeutic massages as part of their business. But, Mala's approach was different. It had meaning. A conscience.

A year after our meeting Mala had began interning and making plans to get her massage center off of the ground. Although she had a business plan, her certification and the moxie, she was lacking the one thing that was certain to make her center a success. Supporters. Yes, she was getting encouragement from her family. Yes, her community rallied around her. She also got the opportunity to introduce her service on a morning news show. But, the type of support she needed was monetary.

Mala didn't turn away those offering advice and well-wishes. She recognized when things are at a lull in your life, encouragement keeps you focused.

As Mala re-evaluated her plan she went back to square one. What was her purpose for wanting to start this center? What was her inspiration?

It turns out Mala watched her father lose a horrible battle with colon cancer. As he deteriorated she became more concerned with his excruciating pain. She felt helpless. She didn't want to see her dad or anyone else hurt this badly; ever again. Mala decided to seek out alternatives to pain therapy in order to make this ordeal better for her dad.

Unfortunately Mr. Odis did not live to see the remarkable strides his daughter made in his honor. Her trek has truly been a labor of love.

After completing her certification, Mala presented her plan to several hospitals and clinics in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. Most hadn't heard of her method of pain therapy and dismissed the idea. Mala re-assessed her plan and diligently kept marketing this compliment to traditional pain therapy to medical facilities in the area.

That was 2000. At this time, Mala is seeing the doors open and has worked with patients at UT Southwestern and the Irving Medical center. She has presented her plan to 9 Dallas area cancer centers and is seeing a change in those facilities. Since doctors realize she is not taking away from the regular treatment of patients and is helping to enhance a patients quality of life; they are more open to the idea of massage therapy as an alternative.

I asked Mala what are the rewards of massage therapy for patients. She said, "It differs from patient to patient." One patient told her he enjoys the massages because it is the only time he gets to sleep. He sees her once a month and for one hour out of the month he gets to sleep and feel relaxed.

Another patient she sees appreciates the added energy she has after a massage session. "Being an athlete with cancer is hard enough. She looks forward to her two week sessions."

Of course I had to ask if there was a down side to all of this. I was prepared to hear the dynamics of not having money to run a center or the lack of consistency of patients. But, Mala said, "It's the patients I see at the hospice. I know I will go there one day and they won't be there any more."

Mala is a pioneer in this area. She is opening the doors that will potentially bring joy to a patient; even if it's for an hour. She is giving cancer patients an option to try something new to enhance their quality of life. She is giving doctors options for those patients who are at the end of their road and easing their pain is all that's left to do.

Mala is currently seeking grant money to get her Complimentary Care Center off of the ground. But, until that manifests itself, she is seeking to help those who need to ease their pain. And guess what? She makes house calls.