Health

Help The Pink Ribbon Foundation, Cancer Patients

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) ― Researchers at the University of Colorado have found massage therapy has physical and psychological benefits for cancer patients, especially with advanced-stage cancers. A local charity has practiced that philosophy for years.

Michelle Smith was told years ago she was on her death bed, but thanks in part to massage therapy and other pampering provided by the Pink Ribbon Foundation, she's still going strong.

"It makes you feel special," Smith said. "It's hard to feel special when you feel crummy all the time."

Smith has had more than her fair share of dealing with cancer. Her mother and grandmother both passed away from the disease, and just months after their deaths, Smith was diagnosed.

Now she's on her second battle. Stage 4 breast cancer that has spread throughout her body. Doctors told her six years ago to quit her job, get her affairs in order, and spend what time she had left with her then 12-year-old son.

"It was very scary, but I'm still here now and I've had to change my will and everything since," she said.

Smith believes her positive attitude has helped her beat the odds. She credits the Pink Ribbon Foundation for keeping her mind in the fight.

"If you don't feel good about yourself you can just wither away."

The Pink Ribbon Foundation pays for Smith and others who qualify to get acupuncture and therapeutic massages on an ongoing basis.

Michelle is now geared up for the newest battle with cancer in her family. Her father has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and has been given one year to live. He's now on month 11 and going strong.

"We sit together and get our chemo at the same time," Smith said.

And when the chemo treatments get them down, they credit the Pink Ribbon Foundation for lifting them back up and giving them the strength to keep on fighting.

The Pink Ribbon Foundation also pays for things like childcare, groceries, rent and other living expenses.

The non-profit is in the midst of its annual fundraising campaign and to help raise money, they are raffling off a Porsche Boxter and a trip to Hollywood to meet with actor Zac Efron as High School Musical III premiers. Go to the Pink Ribbon Foundation's Web site for more information.

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