WEST SPRINGFIELD – CHD Cancer House of Hope hosted the official opening of newly completed private rooms for reiki treatment and certified oncology massage on Monday October 2 at Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield Street (Rte. 20) in West Springfield.
“CHD Cancer House of Hope has provided reiki and certified oncology massage services at our location for some time, but until now we were not able to provide a great deal of privacy to our guests,” said Joe Kane, Program Manager for CHD Cancer House of Hope. “This project provides a major improvement. Where previously we had one large room divided in half by a three-quarter height cubicle wall from an office building, now we have two private spaces, each with a door, floor-to-ceiling walls and separate controls for interior lighting. It’s a much nicer space to be in now, and the reiki practitioner or massage therapist can engage the guest in conversation that won’t be overheard. We’re hoping this will allow guests the opportunity to talk more freely about their condition and how they’re feeling as another way to improve the impact of the session.”
Kane expressed his profound appreciation to the people and organizations that donated funds to purchase building materials and the labor of union carpenters to complete the build-out. “We were thrilled to receive a grant from the Big E West Springfield Trust to purchase the building materials we required for this project,” he said. “And when we reached out to the Carpenters Union Local 108, without hesitation Jason Garand agreed to identify a contractor willing to provide the labor for us, in-kind. Troy Collins and the team from Colmac Construction did a superb job on the build-out. This project is a great example of local people and organizations coming together to support a program that provides comfort to so many people who are facing the life change that comes with a cancer diagnosis.”
CHD Cancer House of Hope works to enhance the lives of people with cancer and those who care about them by providing emotional, educational, social and spiritual support. The House provides a range of cancer support services and relaxation programs at no cost to those who face this devastating disease. Each year, CHD Cancer House of Hope serves 500 guests, right here in our community. Every penny of every dollar donated to the House directly impacts programming and the people served.
Founded in 1972, Center for Human Development (CHD) is a nonprofit, CARF-accredited organization providing a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services to 17,000 children, adolescents, adults, and families each year. The organization is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. www.chd.org
