Massage Cabin Fire, Laura Collins needs your help

On Wednesday 11/17/21 at 4:30 a.m. the beloved "Massage Cabin" at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO burnt to the ground, all the contents were totally lost.   I am raising funds to replace the total loss of my equipment and income to myself.  My business and labor of love - Homegrown Yoga and Massage LLC - has been housed at the YMCA cabin.   I celebrated my ten year anniversary at the Y this summer as a concessionaire.   What was once a vibrant life affirming happy wellness business serving hundreds of people each season and provided jobs for therapists - see gallery tab at www.homegrownyoga.com  - was here today and gone the next. Total loss. My name is Laura Collins, I am the owner, therapist and faithful servant who spearheaded this service at the YMCA of the Rockies.  The devastating news of the fire was hard to hear, even more difficult to see, and personally a challenge to rebuild.  I have poured myself into this work,  and am in shock and in need of financial support.  I am requesting your financial help.

No person or animal were hurt in the blaze, and no other structures were touched including the serene life giving pine trees just feet away. The fire was a quick, exact blaze - thank God nothing else or more. The conditions were just right - the wind had stopped, it had snowed an hour before in Estes, and the fire department was out quickly.

 

All contents were burnt to a crisp inside the cabin. I am raising $8,000 to replace the massage equipment (massage tables, towel warmers, table warmers, table covers, linens, hot stones, paraffin wax warmers, feet booties, feet warmer, electronics, technology, furniture, water cooler, essential oils, office and massage supplies, personal pair of new prescription glasses, PPE, and more) that was thoughtfully purchased over the decade to be of service to the guests, staff and volunteers at the YMCA of the Rockies. I'm raising an additional $5,000 for one month's income to help me meet personal financial responsibilities such as rent, bills, food, etc, until I can get my feet on the ground again.  An additional $500 is added to the fundraising goal to cover gofundme fees. 

This fire was particularly devastating to me as it dovetails off an eight month shut down of the Massage Cabin from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 staffing shortage experienced this summer upon reopening. All the while, the demand for massage, connection and healing were even greater at the Y and for my services. As a small business owner committed to my mission particularly at this time, I marched on and delivered even more massages myself! Clients who were able to get in for a massage expressed their sincere appreciation and need. I served providing massage to teachers (God bless their souls!) who juggled the stressors of the pandemic, mothers and fathers who worked from home and cared for children, grandparents who stepped in to help parents, single people who were lonely, healthcare providers who were stressed out and depleted, people who lost their loved ones to COVID-19, others who had COVID or suffered other health conditions, and so many others who just plain needed to FEEL life again, let go and relax.

 

I closed the massage cabin over the winter 20/21 due to the pandemic and did not collect unemployment but instead, I chose to offer my skills in public health. I pursued and was offered a job as Chronic Disease Prevention Program Manager in the Public Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health. What a challenge that was trying to work with primary care providers on chronic disease prevention during a pandemic! God help us all. As spring 21 approached, I longed to return to what I love and where I love - massage at the YMCA and returned to providing massage at the "Massage Cabin" once I felt providing massage was safe again to provide.

 

I love to serve and be used by the great Creator. Now I have lost my work, equipment, facility, and resources due to a tragic fire, not the pandemic. I am hurting and want to return to what I love and what people love to receive from me - therapeutic massage! Clients 99% of the time say to me - I hope your hands are insured, they're divine, they're precious or gifted; or that I am living my calling and they can feel it.  I don't take these gifts or appreciation for granted and want to continue providing massage. Please contribute what you can so I can continue to help others who will eventually perhaps be helping you. Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated and equally valued in this ocean of generosity, healing and gratitude. Feel free to share the campaign with those who this would speak to and would like to help. Be a part of the phoenix that rises from the ashes!!

 

May all of our hearts be healthy and happy :-) and may we all do what we love in service to others. In this way, we can create a peaceful, healthy personal life and world, not just for ourselves, but for all. Thank you!! Namaste.