Resolution Formalizes Massage Therapy Awareness Week in Texas

By Editorial Staff

Texas legislators and their staff members must have been pleasantly surprised when they reported to work on May 29. Thanks to the efforts of some enthusiastic and dedicated massage therapists, the Texas Association of Massage Therapists (TAMT) hosted its first annual Legislative Massage Awareness Day, during which volunteers treated Capitol Hill staffers to a day of complimentary massage in the building's rotunda.

The event was part of a larger effort to help illuminate the benefits of massage to those who have the power to advance the profession - state lawmakers.

TAMT President Sharon Stumpf proudly displays State Resolution No. 683 recognizing Massage Therapy Awareness Week in Texas with (from l to r) TAMT Austin regional representative Janine Ray; TAMT Treasurer Lane Tow; Sen. Jeff Wentworth; Florida massage therapist Lynda Solien-Wolfe; and TAMT administrative assistant Sara Moore. This good news came as no surprise to Florida massage therapist Lynda Solien-Wolfe, who participates in Florida's Legislative Awareness Days, a 15-year-old tradition and the model from which the Texas event was drawn. Ms. Solien-Wolfe provided logistical support for the event, but she credits TAMT organizers for its overall success. "This event was run very smoothly under the leadership of TAMT President Sharon Stumpf and Legislative Chair Brooks Kassan who spent many months preparing to make [it] the success it was," she said.

According to Stumpf, "response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. Legislators and staff alike look forward to the return of these eager and dedicated Texas [massage therapists]."

Founded in 1995, the TAMT boasts several hundred members and continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tamt.org.