Laurel J. Freeman receives humanitarian award

July 26, 2010 — Laurel J. Freeman, BA, LMT, was presented the Performance Health Humanitarian Award at this year’s Florida State Massage Therapy Association Annual Convention (FSMTA).

Performance Health/Hygenic Corporation, manufacturer and marketer of Biofreeze, Prossage, and Thera-Band health and wellness products, honors an individual annually in the massage therapy industry for their efforts in improving the welfare of their clients and demonstrating selfless devotion to others.

Bob Poirier, vice president of commercial operations for Performance Health Inc., presented the award to Freeman. “This year’s honoree, Laurel Freeman, has been described as a tireless locomotive in a skirt. She is not only a LMT, but also an author, a community service enthusiast, a wife, a mother, past chapter president, and past national president of the AMTA.

“Unfortunately, it was a personal tragedy that inspired Freeman and her husband, Howard, to create the organization that has made a difference to so many,” continued Mr. Poirier.

“In 1981, their 12-year-old daughter Bonnie lost her fight to cancer. In support of Bonnie’s wish that other children not suffer from cancer, the Freeman’s founded STOP! Children’s Cancer Inc., an organization committed to the prevention, control, and cure of cancer in children. Since its founding, this organization has been responsible for contributions in excess of $3.5 million dollars to fund pediatric cancer research.

In April 2006, a donation of $1,000,000 was made to establish the STOP! Children’s Cancer/Bonnie R. Freeman Professorship for Pediatric Oncology Research in honor of Bonnie. Performance Health is very pleased to be able to recognize Laurel for her efforts, and is thankful to the FSMTA for allowing us to present this award to her.”

In addition to honoring Mrs. Freeman at the FSMTA convention, Performance Health will donate $500 to STOP! Children’s Cancer, Inc.

Upon receiving the award, Freeman said, “I am in shock and still cannot believe that I was presented with this very prestigious FSMTA award! It is such an honor and Bob made it even more special with his eloquence and personal compassion. That is what I will always remember when I look back on that day. This is my twenty-first consecutive FSMTA convention. I come to the convention each year to network with friends I made in previous years and to meet new friends.

These wonderful friendships connect us with this amazing profession. Having the opportunity to learn and share with each other is a gift we give ourselves. If we have not met, I look forward to meeting you, hearing what you have to share and connecting with you. Thank you, again for this amazing award and honor!”

Source: Performance Health/Hygenic Corporation, www.thera-band.com