The Spark That Started It All

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Celebrating the founders and early leaders who helped light the way for LifeSpark. Watch the video on YouTube.

Our 20th Anniversary Gala included a special four-minute video that brought us back to the very beginning of LifeSpark—when a small group with a big vision set out to bring peace, comfort, and healing energy to people with cancer. The video features reflections from co-founders Anne Day and Sandy Priester, second president Ruth Muhr, and early provider Bob O’Connell, who share how it all began and how far we’ve come.

Anne, who first experienced the impact of Healing Touch in Hawaii, described how a program there inspired her to bring this work to Colorado. “I had this desire to bring this to Denver,” she said. “And it was just like the universe brought us together for a reason.” Anne met Sandy Priester in a Healing Touch class, and together they began shaping what would become LifeSpark. “It was just so powerful,” Sandy recalls. “I wanted everybody to have a chance to experience it.”

Ruth Muhr, who later became LifeSpark’s second president, spoke about the heart of this work: “When you do Healing Touch or Reiki, you are honoring that spark of life that’s in everybody. And when someone’s had a cancer diagnosis, that spark can feel kind of dim.” Her words reflect the compassion and understanding that continue to guide our mission today.

Early provider Bob O’Connell shared what it was like to serve during those first years. “I was proud to be with LifeSpark because I was providing relaxation, healing energy to cancer patients,” he said. “It just felt good to get them some relief.” His comment captures the essence of what LifeSpark has offered for 20 years—comfort, care, and human connection when it’s needed most.

Although she is not featured in the video, Lisa Anselme, LifeSpark’s first president, was recognized at the Gala for her pivotal role in building the organization’s foundation. As a nurse and Executive Director of Healing Touch International (now Healing Beyond Borders), Lisa brought a deep understanding of both the medical field and the healing arts. She helped create the structure that ensured LifeSpark would be professional, sustainable, and grounded in high standards of care. Her leadership established training and operational systems that continue to guide and strengthen LifeSpark to this day.

As Sandy reflects in the video, “These were not well accepted therapies back then. Over the years, I’ve seen a dramatic change.” Today, LifeSpark works out of several hospitals and partner locations, with nearly 100 Reiki and Healing Touch volunteers serving hundreds of people with cancer each year. What began as a small, heartfelt idea has grown into a respected and thriving nonprofit making a measurable difference.

Anne beautifully sums it up: “It’s hard to even capture in words how it’s changed lives.”

We’re deeply grateful to Anne, Lisa, Ruth, Bob, and everyone who helped light this spark—and to each of you who continue to carry it forward.

🎥 Watch the full video: The Spark That Started It All
👉 Watch on YouTube