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After being diagnosed with breast cancer more than 10 years ago, LaVida Massage client Amy Barris set out on a mission to not only survive for her family, but to raise the awareness level surrounding this deadly killer that takes the lives of more than 100,000 women each year.
In September 2000, a routine self-breast exam revealed a small lump in Amy’s breast. Leading a fairly healthy lifestyle with no past illnesses, Amy was assured by those around her that everything would turn out fine. However, that feeling was short lived. After meeting with her physician and surgically removing the lump, she was given the devastating news. The pea-sized lump she had stumbled upon was not only cancerous, but had also come in contact with one of her lymph nodes – an extremely dangerous combination.
Throughout the next several months, Amy was forced to undergo countless chemo and radiation procedures in an attempt to cleanse her body of the disease.
“I can’t tell what’s worse, the sinking feeling you get when you are diagnosed, or how you feel while you are going through treatment,” said Barris. “I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who, during my treatment, came together to help me and my family when I no longer had the energy to do so.”
In addition to the help Amy received from friends and family, scheduling frequent massages also helped to boost her spirits and calm her muscles.
“I loved that I was able to schedule my appointments online from my home when I was hurting,” said Barris. “To this day, I always make sure to schedule an appointment directly before and after each walk I participate in, and becoming a member of the Life Benefits Program at LaVida has allowed me to get each of those massages at an extremely affordable price.”
After finishing her treatments in February 2001, Amy vowed to become more involved in breast cancer fundraising and awareness initiatives. She signed up for her first cancer walk in 2002 and has since participated in several other charity initiatives, including American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s “Race for the Cure.”
Additionally, Amy has interned at the Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington, volunteered at Beaumont Hospital and currently serves as a Chemo Angel, providing motivation and support to other cancer patients across the nation.
During the month of October, LaVida Massage will stand behind Amy in her quest to raise breast cancer awareness. Each LaVida center will display its own “Wall of Hope” in support of the American Cancer Society. Throughout the month, each center will be selling pink ribbon cards to customers for $5. In exchange for the donation, customers will get to sponsor a ribbon adorning the center’s Wall of Hope and will also receive a coupon for $5 off aromatherapy during their next appointment.
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