John Matthew Upledger, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Upledger Institute International (UII) passed away at his home in Palm Beach Gardens on May 21, losing a two-year battle with cancer.
UII is the organization dedicated to educating massage therapists on the CranioSacral Therapy technique developed by his father, John E. Upledger. D.O. Upledger Institute International is also a member organization of the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators (IAHE), which offers education, certifications and products in a variety of modalities.
John Matthew Upledger had been involved in UII for more than 25 years in areas including clinical services and education.
A statement published online by UII notes that John Matthew Upledger “was known for his incredible sense of humor, his passion for life and a good party! He loved the music of the 70s and 80s, and was passionate about his Miami Dolphins and [Michigan State University] Spartans. Most of all, he was known for his incredible compassion and generosity. From staff to friends, he always made time to listen and then, with great empathy and kindness, offer advice that was wise beyond his years. His big-heartedness and loyalty were just two of the emblems of his larger-than-life personality.”
John Matthew Upledger was a proponent of the Dr. John E. Upledger Foundation, which had the mission to fund philanthropic efforts, including providing care to people in need; pioneering health programs and research; studying conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and autism; supporting dolphin-assisted therapy; and making education available to massage therapists. The foundation also educates the public and health professionals about John E. Upledger’s work and the therapists who practice it. (Donations to the foundation are accepted here: upledger.org.)
He leaves behind his wife, Donna Stevens Upledger; a daughter, Miranda Skye Upledger; sister Leslie Upledger Ray (James); brother Michael Upledger (Lynne); and his mother, Beverly Roy Upledger. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark, and his father John E. Upledger, D.O.
Read John Matthew Upledger’s 2013 MASSAGE Magazine essay on progress made in the massage and bodywork field, at massagemag.com/johnmatthewessay