RIVIERA BEACH, FL—National Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just a month to “wear pink,” it’s an everyday choice for all women, including survivors and caregivers, to focus on health.
The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa here sought to spread awareness in its own way, offering specialized spa services with a portion of the proceeds donated to charity.
“National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. Make a difference. Spread the word about mammograms, and encourage communities, organizations, families and individuals to get involved,” said Nancy Rodriguez-Falero, spa director, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.
In addition, this is the first year the hotel has partnered with Jupiter Medical Center and its Pink Chair Project, a campaign to honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness about breast health during the month of October.
This project is deeply personal for Rodriguez-Falero, a breast cancer survivor herself, who champions early detection through screenings.
“I am a 22-year survivor; therefore, I am living proof that most women can beat breast cancer if it’s found and treated early,” she said. “A mammogram—the screening test for breast cancer—can help detect breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. In my case, I was too young to have my first mammogram 22 years ago, but thanks to my mom asking me to give her a ride to a new location for her mammogram, I ended up having my first one that came out positive. For that reason, I do not miss any opportunity to celebrate survivors and their strength, and to encourage all women to be proactive about their health.”
In 2015, all SiSpa staff completed training in spa treatments for guests with cancer and rolled out a “Comfort Care Classics” menu with a selection of services specifically designed for guests being treated for or recovering from cancer. SiSpa is the only spa in Palm Beach County trained in these specialized services, according to Rodriguez-Falero.
“SiSpa’s mission to promote wellness and provide a welcoming sanctuary for all of its guests is top of mind for our entire staff. We further this mission by educating ourselves to accommodate our guests who have or have had cancer. We are committed to motivating our guests, as well as our staff, with an invitation to wellness—to embrace all of life’s trials and to emerge with positivity and healing in mind,” she said. “To make the spa experience as comfortable and seamless as possible for all SiSpa guests, the booking of a ‘Comfort Care Classics’ treatment will alert the staff without the guest ever having to disclose any personal information unless they choose to. Therapists are knowledgeable and mindful of the appropriate questions to ask to assess each person’s individual needs.”
The “Comfort Care Classics” menu offers massage, facial, body and nail services that promote relaxation and stress-relief to oncology and recovering guests. A special 20% discount on all regular priced services is offered to a caregiver who might accompany a “Comfort Care Classics” guest to the spa.
SiSpa turned to The Florida Cancer Aware program by Wellness for Cancer to provide hands-on training to its entire staff. The required training consisted of an eight-hour course including lectures, videos and testing, followed by a five-hour, hands-on practicum on the processes and protocols for conducting treatments on oncology guests.
“I’d like them to leave SiSpa feeling renewed, balanced in mind and body, and full of positive energy to help them continue their fight,” she said.
