CANCER CARE & WELLNESS FOR LIFE
CANCER CARE
COMPASSION MEETS EXPERTISE
THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY
In 2007, Christine Clinton took a significant step in her career by earning certification in Medical Massage for cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. She recognised the emotional toll that a diagnosis of cancer can bring, valued the mind body connection and so also became certified in Clinical training in Mind Body Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
This achievement wasn’t just a credential—it was a turning point that deepened her commitment to making meaningful contributions to the wellness sector. It became clear that there was a critical need for trained professionals who could provide care tailored to the unique needs of those living with cancer, ensuring inclusivity regardless of where they were on their health journey.
COMPASSION MEETS EXPERTISE
THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY
Christine’s pioneering spirit drove her to address a gap that many in the wellness industry were hesitant to acknowledge.
Over 20 years ago, she introduced a Cancer Care modality specifically for spas, a concept that was far from mainstream at the time. Directors and therapists alike often avoided this subject, but Christine was undeterred. She understood that people living with cancer deserved safe,
compassionate, and knowledgeable touch therapy.
In 2003, her vision came to life with an international training program designed to up-skill and re-skill therapists. The program emphasises the importance of a thorough consultation to assess each client, meeting their needs by creating a bespoke, holistic spa treatment with appropriate adaptations to position, pressure, direction of strokes and duration of service.
Available in English and Spanish, the training has been taught worldwide and recognised for its inclusive and innovative approach. Christine’s commitment to education and advocacy has earned her accolades, but more importantly, it has made a real difference in the lives of people living with cancer and their families.
BREAKING BARRIERS WITH KNOWLEDGE
AN ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
Christine has seen firsthand the challenges faced by people living with cancer or a history of cancer. Family members of her own experienced the frustration of being denied massage or spa services due to a lack of understanding and training among therapists.
This personal connection, combined with her professional expertise, fueled her advocacy for industry-wide change. Christine joined forces with other leaders in wellness and education to establish standards that
would empower therapists with the knowledge and confidence to serve clients with cancer safely, and became a founding member of the SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care).
The emphasis on health literacy became a cornerstone of this work, ensuring that therapists not only understand the physical challenges clients may face but can also communicate with them empathetically and knowledgeably. She credits the efforts of Sue Harmsworth and the dedicated volunteer board of the SATCC for helping bring this vision to life.
PASSION, PURPOSE, PEOPLE
THE LEGACY OF COMPASSION
Over her 35 years in the health and wellness sector, Christine Clinton has worn many hats—school owner, international examiner, spa owner, and practitioner of diverse modalities such as wellness for families, maternity massage, menopause rituals and lymphatic drainage. Yet, her proudest achievements lie in the field of cancer care.
Christine’s work is not just about training therapists; it’s about creating an industry that recognizes the power of compassionate touch and the profound impact it can have on those in need. Her award-winning training program focuses on upskilling and reskilling therapists to provide customized, inclusive care. It emphasizes the importance of seeing each client as a whole person, not just a health condition, and demonstrates how a comprehensive consultation can lead to more effective, personalized treatments.
Clinton Cancer Care and Wellness for Life stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to this cause, ensuring that the wellness community continues to embrace inclusivity, accessibility, affordability and excellence while fostering deeper connections through touch and empathy.
