Evanston, IL (Dec. 16, 2010) – The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and its members are celebrating a second successful year of involvement with the 15 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® events nationwide. AMTA was again the official provider of more than 300 volunteers at the Energizer® tents at the 2010 3-Day for the Cure events in which participants walked 60 miles over the course of three days to raise funds to support breast cancer research.
“Our work on these events has become a terrific way for our members to give to a very worthwhile health issue,” says AMTA President Kathleen Miller-Read. “Not only do we provide our massage skills to walkers and support breast cancer research, our involvement shows millions of people the benefits of massage.”
Energizer and AMTA collaborated on an article about the benefits of massage for those with cancer and for other health needs, appearing in 296 media outlets in 17 states, reaching an audience of more than 12 million. AMTA expects this educational piece to continue to appear on more websites and in small local newspapers. Energizer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and AMTA also joined together to arrange a national radio media tour featuring AMTA President Miller-Read, talking about upcoming 3-Day for the Cure events, the benefits of massage therapy and how to find an AMTA massage therapist. Through these combined efforts, AMTA estimates information about massage therapy reached more than 15 million people from July through November.
“It is so satisfying to give in a heartfelt way to the community and at the same time have more people learn about the health benefits of massage. This relationship is an amazing success for everyone involved. It supports the participants, many of whom are cancer survivors by giving them the experience of massage. Our members give back to the community (something many AMTA members say they seek through their AMTA membership) and it advances public education on massage through outstanding media coverage,” says Miller-Read.
The American Massage Therapy Association is the largest non-profit, professional association for massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, they have invested more than $1.3 billion to date, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.