2007 Humanitarian MT Named

Massage therapist Theresa Ritcherson’s faith-based upbringing instilled in her the desire to help her fellow human beings—and her charitable acts have resulted in her receiving this year’s Humanitarian Award, presented annually to a massage therapist by The Hygenic Corporation/Performance Health.

“Early in childhood, I learned about the plight of the less fortunate in the world and wanted to help them,” Ritcherson said. “This desire grew when I attended boarding school, where the Benedictine Sisters instilled in me a faith that became intertwined with action that further motivated me to be a responsible person.”

That sense of responsibility lead her to a 40-year career in nursing and then a second career as a massage therapist. Ritcherson has donated all of the profits she’s earned as a massage therapist to charitable causes.

The Hygenic Corporation, manufacturer and marketer of Biofreeze, Prossage and Thera-Band health and wellness products, donated $500 on Ritcherson’s behalf to her charity of choice, the Catholic Medical Mission Board. The New York City-based board was founded in 1928 and provides clinical and hospital services worldwide through financial and product donations.

“We are very moved by Ms. Ritcherson’s selfless devotion to those less fortunate,” stated Earl DeCarli, ­president of The Hygenic Corporation/Performance Health. “It is very gratifying for our organization to take part in honoring an individual who gives so much of herself to others, while expecting nothing in return for this service.”