Therapeutic Cancer Massages

Northridge Hospital’s Leavey Cancer Center offers free therapeutic massages to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. The initial idea of providing cancer patients with therapeutic massages came from a non-profit organization named Angie’s Spa.

Angie’s Spa was created in memory of Angie Levy, who tragically lost her life to metastatic breast cancer in November 2007 at the young age of 36. Diagnosed at age 27, Angie spent the next 9 years trying to live a normal life while waging the long battle for remission and a cure. It was Angie’s upbeat attitude and love for life’s small indulgences that inspired the idea of Angie’s Spa.

For the 10 years that Angie’s Spa was in existence, they funded Northridge Hospital’s Cancer Center with $372,000 so that we could provide massages at no cost to our cancer patients.

Since Angie’s Spa ceased their operations in 2020, Northridge Hospital Foundation has made the commitment to continue the free therapeutic massage program for our patients at the Leavey Cancer Center in honor of Angie’s Spa Foundation and the tremendous impact it has on our patient’s outcomes.

To sponsor a massage for a cancer patient you can do so now by clicking the “Donate Now” button in the upper right hand corner of the website. First time donors will have to register. Once registered, simply pull down “designation” tab and choose Angie’s Spa Massage for Cancer Patients. The cost of a massage is $37 and lasts 20 minutes.

For people affected by cancer, complementary and holistic treatments have been proven to decrease stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue by reducing pain and alleviating some of the side effects of traditional medical treatments. Angie's Spa provides cancer patients a break from a life of managing the disease and gives them a gift for their spirit, their soul and their self-esteem.

The hospital is very fortunate to offer these complimentary care services and the patients that have experienced these massages and touch techniques have expressed great appreciation for the program.

A patient commented:

 I am very grateful for the massage therapy provided at Northridge Hospital’s Leavey Cancer Center. My cancer treatment requires that I extend my left arm over my head and hold the position for extended periods of time. A long ago shoulder injury makes it painful for me to do this, but I know that relief is just around the corner from the caring and capable massage therapists always available after my procedure. It would be an understatement to say that for me, this wonderful service has been invaluable. Thank you Angie’s Spa for making it all possible.”