What is Annie's Helping Hands?

Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund established Annie’s Helping Hands in 2012. Annie’s Helping Hands is a multidisciplinary holistic oncology program. Participants of the program are eligible to receive their choice of 6 Massage, 6 Reiki, 6 Meditation or 6 Acupuncture therapies within a 6 month period. Services are provided by professionals you select and must have specialized training in oncology in their field. Massage will require a note from your oncologist approving your massage sessions.

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer a clean, relaxing environment where cancer patients can step away from the stress of their day to day life, be pampered in luxury, and find relief from emotional and physical pain.

Who Can Participate in the Program?

The Annie’s Helping Hands program is open to individuals who are currently receiving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, are within a three-month period of ending treatments, or are currently preparing for or recovering from cancer related surgery.

How Do These Services Help Clients With Cancer?

Each of the services offered through the Annie’s Helping Hands program helps clients with cancer in a unique way. Below is a list of some of the greatest benefits of these services.

Massage

Massage uses the power of touch to help cancer clients reconnect to their bodies and feel whole again. Clients have reported reduced pain and improved elasticity to scar and radiation sites. It has also been widely reported by cancer survivors that massage gave them the ease and peace needed to sleep better at night. Reduced pain, improved sleep and peace of mind all help boost the immune system, which can aid in recovery.

Reiki

Reiki is a gentle, ancient practice used to stimulate and reset energy within the body. This is a hand-off approach to readjust the body’s magnetic pulse or frequency, which promotes overall wellness. Reiki evokes relaxation, decreases stress, and renews the body’s ability to self-heal and rebuild damaged cells.

Meditation

Meditation helps students learn how to cope with feelings and fears in a private, one on one environment. Three separate techniques are offered through the program. Transformation Meditation, Guided Imagery and Visualization. These techniques help the student learn how to control thoughts, look toward a more positive outcome and escape to a quiet, peaceful state. Meditation helps reduce insomnia and stress, increase inner peace and achieve a healthier mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of eastern medicine that may benefit a wide range of conditions including cancer-related fatigue, nausea, pain, anxiety, neuropathy, hot flashes and dry mouth. During acupuncture, tiny sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The goal is to balance the body's energy systems and promote healing.