Doing Good - Healing Hands of Mercy Massage Foundation

A nonprofit in Northwest Arkansas is providing relief for those dealing with illnesses through the healing power of the human touch.

After facing a life-threatening illness, Joey Gall founded the Healing Hands Mercy Massage Foundation. Through massage therapy, Gall found comfort while recovering and wanted to share that experience with others. 

Gall says, "I did literally get a second chance to live and most people don't get that and I want to spread that to as many people as possible. Most of the time insurance doesn't cover massage therapy and we're just a way for them to have that experience without the expense."

The nonprofit works with local health care facilities like the Circle of Life Hospice, where Connie Lytle-Burklow works."It's so beneficial to our patients because it helps to diminish pain," said Lytle-Burklow.

The Healing Hands Mercy Massage also helps with in-home sessions and in-studio massages for people in pain. Angi Blagg was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma back in 2011. Through Healing Hands Massage, she says she was able to find relief while going through months of chemotherapy. Now cancer-free for more than a year, she says she is grateful for what the nonprofit did for her. "You kind of numb yourself about what you're going through because you are really not in control of your life at that point. I was able to relax and focus on me and the comfort I was receiving from the pain," said Blagg. 

Meanwhile, Gall tells us he's happy to help those in need. "People have just said that they get to escape the reality even if only for an hour." Blagg says,"to have that relief, it was just an awesome experience and I am thankful."