All of us have dreams to which we aspire and for which we hold passion. For me both are engendered in the healing art of massage therapy.

Recently I have been fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to a fine school here in Northern Virginia, the American Massage & Bodywork Institute. To take advantage of this it is necessary for me to reach out and ask for a hand up in this endeavor.

Mine is a small fixed income that barely covers life's basics. As someone in what I consider mid-life, it is increasingly difficult to find reliable work to augment SSI. Without help from the kindness of friends and strangers school will be impossible and the scholarship will mean nothing.

School means the achievement of a dream I have held since 1999. One which had been pursued only to be interrupted by the health needs of my husband who suffered from Diabetes. I was able to train and complete the practicum portion of my classes .... I know my craft well. Unfortunately his illness required my time, attention and most of our finances. My knowledge of healing was augmented greatly at the health food store where I worked. This added a wealth of information on diet, supplements, herbs, oils and homeopathy. All of which became essential during the final years of my Jack's life when there was limited income and no insurance. He suffered greatly from a rare diabetic side affect which left him in unrelenting pain from wasting muscles that strangled his nerves. Massage became increasingly important simply for temporary relief. A different job allowed me the flexibility to care for him while I supported us both. The gift I was given in my limited trained was a godsend.

This experience truly opened my eyes to the unmet needs of others. Over the years I have gifted massage to many who could not afford it. Ranging from cancer patients to overstressed folks too busy caring for family to care for themselves... and too poor to do so.

All this has left me strong: physically, spiritually and emotionally. It also has given me a firm footing to make a true success of school and toward meeting my goals of a small practise and teaching in my field.

Here is what I offer in exchange for what help you are kind enough to lend. If you live nearby you are welcome to be repaid in Massage either for yourself or as a gift to someone you love. If you prefer, as with people living too far away, to do so, then I can eventually repay your investment in me OR let me know what non-profit you wish me to donate to in your name. Please let me know how to reach you so that I can follow up . This request is for a hand up... not a hand out!

I intend to update information to keep you all posted of my progress. I look forward to your comments, suggestions and involvement in this educational journey with an eye toward a solid career and an enhanced ability to help others in need. As Shakespeare once said " I can but say 'Thanks and thanks again' ".