A Message From Our Founder, Dawn Leone

Hello and thank you for your interest in Massage For Good Health!

I became a massage therapist in 1995 and a Christian in 1997. Both have changed my life dramatically and for the better.

I opened my practice, L'Therapy Massage, Day Spa & Aromatherapy Gift Shoppe, in my hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. It is a small college town, deeply rooted in Christianity and part of the "Underground Railroad" during the oppressive years of slavery.

I soon discovered the public's misconception of massage therapy. Most confused my practice with the seedy massage parlors in the cities. While doing free chair massage at local festivals and health fairs, people would sneer at me and try to shame me for my career choice. They had no concept of the medical benefits of massage therapy. And it took me countless hours to publicize and advance the field.

I spent (and still spend) every dollar I earned to further the education of the public on the benefits of massage therapy. This included free chair massages at community events, seminars at senior centers, schools and business networking groups, and appearing on talk shows about healthcare.

The town has embraced massage therapy, and now over 30 massage therapists have inquired upon me and become massage therapists.

In October 2008, Pennsylvania's governor signed massage therapy legislation, requiring licensing for every massage therapist. The vocation has made great strides in the past decade, validifying it in the medical field.

Many doctors in the area now refer patients to my practice, but many can not afford the needed therapies. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease and other neuromuscular disorders need constant care, but their health insurances will not pay for regular therapy.

One patient with MS always claimed we were keeping her out of a wheelchair. When she came in to her weekly appointments, she would scoot her feet, struggling to walk. Her muscles were so spastic and rigid. But after her massage therapy session, she had more control of her muscles and walked nearly normally for many days. When she changed jobs, her new insurance policy did not reimburse her for massage therapy, and she had to discontinue treatment. She was so depressed and hopeless about walking much longer without a cane or walker.

If you care to help us in our effort to change the lives of people like this, please send your tax deductible donation to: Massage For Good Health, 98 Oakridge Drive, Indiana, PA, USA 15701.

This foundation provides free massage therapy at public events and also for hospitals' patients. But finding qualified therapists to volunteer is extremely hard. Therapists can not afford to donate all their work, as they have bills to pay. We can not afford to pay them even minimum wage without your help.

Since being baptized, my adage has been: "to lay up my treasures in Heaven, not Earth".

I used to be one of those "yuppies" - working long hours to pay for a big home and cars and "toys", but never having time to enjoy them or my family.

Wise people always say that on a death bed, no one wishes they spent more time at work. Everyone wishes they had spent more time with loved ones.

I spent the past three years being my mother's caregiver. Spending 24 hours a day with her and my dad were some of the most fulfilling years of my life. Mom died July 6, 2008.

I previously used my medical education from Duquesne University's School of Pharmacy to change careers and spend more time with my most precious treasures...my loved ones.

I became a massage therapist.

It has been so rewarding emotionally. I believe I am exactly where God wants me and live humbly in his presence.

God and my career have also opened doors to accomplishing dreams not many dare to venture. After seven years of persistence, I got one of the biggest breaks of my life. Becoming the massage therapist for many NASCAR Winston Cup teams. My parents and family loved spending their time traveling across the United States with me.

I will soon rejoin the racing circuit and will donate the profits from my work with the NASCAR teams to this non-profit foundation. But it is not nearly enough to cover the hundreds of thousands of people without health insurance and money to pay for therapy.

Again, our address is:

Massage For Good Health, 98 Oakridge Drive, Indiana, PA, USA 15701.

God Bless You!

HOT LINKS

*	Back To Our Home Page
*	LTherapy Massage

The official registration and financial information of Massage For Good Health Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Massage For Good Health 98 Oakridge Drive Indiana, PA, USA 15701 724-427-1043

Email: mfghealth@hotmail.com