A TRIBUTE TO JIM LEAVY

by Hannelore R. Leavy

Founder & Executive Director

THE DAY SPA ASSOCIATION

 

Kim Dixon, Marketing Manager of Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont knew Jim quite well. During her tenure at Mario’s International, when that Spa  was named The Distinguished Day Spa of The Year 2000 Kim and Jim collaborated in the taking of pictures for Day Spa Industry News (the DSA member newsletter), and provided him with pictures we periodically needed for press inquiries, etc. Upon relocating to Vermont she called me to let me know about an exciting event happening in her new home town – Stowe!

 

When she heard that my partner of 34 years has lost his fight to cancer at the end of March after a long battle, she thought a weekend with people who have suffered through and/or are still experiencing similar situations will help me heal. She convinced me to participate in this event. Well, she was right and she was wrong.

 

She was right …… my participation at this event was uplifting in a way knowing that many people do survive this devastating disease; uplifting because it gave me a chance to get away from the four walls with all their memories; rejuvenating because of the wonderful treatments I received; enjoyable because of the company that I was privileged to have, healthful and restful, and yes, spiritual because of being close to nature, the woods, the mountains and, yes, the snow, but only from the distance on top of the Mount Mansfield – it’s still not the Alps!

She was wrong …… wherever we go, we take us and our troubles along … I missed Jim. To share with him the beauty of nature, the kindness of the people, the moments, the meals, the fireplace, my thoughts and laughter, and more.

I miss you Jim, your creativity, your wisdom, your gentleness and kindness, your strong conviction to truth and fairness, your insight of people and your vast knowledge of every subject that ever came up – you never ceased to amaze me – you knew something of everything, no matter what it was. You were the one who encouraged me to go on when the going got tough, you were the one who created the CHARITY pages on www.spaassociation.com, and who suggested the creation of the SPA PERSON OF THE MONTH and subsequently awarding the SPA PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD.

 

I thank you for a lifetime together … we encountered tragedies and ecstasies, we had our disagreements, but many more laughs and joyous moments; sometimes the road was hard, but it was well worth the journey. Our life together was never dull and the happiness you brought to your children, your wife and your friends we will never forget. We will miss you and so will your friends in the spa industry. Your voice recording is still on the DSA voicemail – I think I’ll keep it there for awhile!

Weekends of Hope/Jim Leavy Foundation will sponsor spa retreats open to any family dealing with the burden of cancer, and are designed to meet the diverse needs of each member of the family.

Special attention is paid to help cancer patients learn to physically and emotionally heal from the trauma of cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Classes and workshops address stress management, meditation, couples massage, lymphedema massage, good nutrition, dealing with fatigue, and body image. Special workshops are provided for children with cancer and children whose parents have cancer.  Another series of workshops are for teenagers with cancer, and teenagers whose parents have cancer. The agenda of speakers and workshop leaders is very diverse with top people from around the US donating their time for this important cause.
Every family dealing with cancer would love a weekend of pampering and enjoy a vacation, but due to the heavy bills associated with cancer care, they often cannot afford one. Weekends of Hope works with the National Society of Oncology Nurses to identify cancer patients that most need assistance to attend these events.

Most cancer educational events are designed for persons with only one type of cancer. There are common bonds between all families challenged by cancer of any type, and all need mutual support.

 

The Jim Leavy Foundation will be used to support families coping with cancer so that they may attend healing retreats with the ones they love. All proceeds will be used directly to assist people coping with cancer to attend educational and inspirational events that promote emotional and physical healing.

Any one interested in more information about the Weekends of Hope/Jim Leavy Foundation

please contact:

Weekends of Hope/Jim Leavy Foundation
310 – 17^th Street

Union City, NJ 07087

Donations can be sent in US$ to the above address.

Thank you for your support in memory of Jim.