Some of the best things start small.
Back in 2002, I was part of a small group of Healing Touch teachers and leaders, dreaming up a program to match Healing Touch volunteers with cancer patients. During our planning, we had an “aha” moment – Denver had this fantastic community of Reiki practitioners, and many of us practiced both modalities. So why not include both healing practices? That simple decision would shape our entire future.
We named our new program “Healing Buddies” and began offering sessions in November 2002 at QuaLife Wellness Community, a Denver nonprofit organization that supported cancer patients. Little did we know we were planting the seeds for something extraordinary.
Our program caught attention quickly. In early 2004, a year and a half later, a team of volunteers connected with Stanford Medical Center contacted us for guidance in setting up a similar program in California. They flew to Colorado to meet with us and then launched their program, “Healing Partners,” which is still operating today.
Life threw us a curveball later that year when QuaLife closed its doors. But here’s the thing about passionate people – we don’t give up easily. We regrouped and formed our own nonprofit, and on March 25, 2005, LifeSpark Cancer Resources was born.
The following years were a whirlwind of activity. We started in churches and small businesses, then expanded into hospitals like Denver Health, Swedish Medical Center, and Foothills Hospital. Though partnerships have evolved and changed over time, Denver Health remains a steadfast ally to this day.
Our reputation grew, and soon, we were training teams from Florida and Minnesota in our methods. To sustain our mission, we launched two signature fundraising events: Touching Tomorrow (in 2007) and NightSparks (in 2011).
2015 marked a pivotal shift. We made our sessions completely free (goodbye, sliding-scale fees!), started providing in-home services for those too ill to travel, and expanded our support to include caregivers. That same year, we formed a significant partnership with Elements Massage that would eventually span 14 locations and serve us for a number of years.
By 2017, we’d established a presence at UCHealth Anschutz Cancer Center. This relationship led to many good things, including our conducting a formal, IRB-approved research project where we taught Reiki to oncology nurses as a self-care tool. By 2019, we were reaching over 500 people with cancer annually.
Then came 2020’s global challenge. But did we let COVID stop us? Not a chance! We pivoted to remote sessions, ensuring that our community could receive Reiki and Healing Touch from the safety of their own homes. Although we restarted in-person sessions in 2022, our remote program has continued because it allows us to support people no matter where they live.
Today, we’re busier than ever, with new UCHealth locations in Highlands Ranch and Fort Collins. We offer both remote and in-person sessions, though we’ve noticed people prefer the personal touch when possible. Although our waiting lists are long in some areas, we’re constantly working to expand our provider network to shorten those waiting times and to support people with late-stage cancers for a longer period of time.
Looking back over these 20 years, it’s remarkable how decisions and changes have shaped who we are today. What began as a humble effort to help a handful of individuals has blossomed into a far-reaching initiative, touching hundreds of lives across Colorado each year.
LifeSpark has played a significant role in fostering widespread acceptance of Reiki and Healing Touch therapies. In the last 20 years, awareness of the benefits of these drug-free options for pain, stress, and depression has grown dramatically.
As we reflect on this transformative path, we recognize the profound impact of hundreds of Reiki and Healing Touch volunteers, donors, and local businesses working together to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
While much has changed over the years, one thing has remained the same: our core mission is to be there for people facing cancer, offering comfort, support, and healing when they need it most.
What an incredible journey it’s been. Happy 20th birthday, LifeSpark!
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