The power of hands-on care

JoNell Stevenson’s body has been through rough times. The massage therapy program at Indiana University Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center at IU Health North hospital helps to smooth things out.

Over the past 30 years, Stevenson has endured a series of cancer diagnoses, multiple chemo and radiation programs, heart surgery and more. Her most recent setback – a three-centimeter tumor in her brain – led to another round of aggressive radiation therapy late last year. It all took a toll.

“My body was totally inflamed and beat up,” Stevenson said. “I try to do yoga and gentle workouts, but it wasn’t cutting it. I was in so much pain.”

The care team at Schwarz Cancer Center had an answer: free oncology massage therapy offered thanks to generous IU Health Foundation donors.

“I come every week,” she said. “I’m probably overstepping by coming so often, but I can’t tell you what a difference it makes for my body. The relief from pain is one of the best gifts I’ve had in a long time.”

Recognizing that cancer battles are fought as a family, the Schwarz Cancer Center also provides massages to JoNell’s husband, John, during her weekly appointments.

“You start to realize you have a lot more going on mentally,” John said. “The stress and tension build up. They’re things you don’t really have control over. They impact the rest of your body. I started taking advantage of the massages because I was having shoulder issues.”

“It’s just so beautiful that caregivers are included in this opportunity,” Stevenson said. “I can’t even believe this program is here. I’m just so grateful we get to participate. It really shows they’re thinking about the patient as a whole person.”