About HTI

Why we’re here, who’s involved

Human Touch Initiative (HTI) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization begun in February 2009 by Kim Ross, a Rochester-area licensed massage therapist who is trained in oncology massage.

HTI’s mission is simple: We want to provide free or low-cost access to integrative therapies for local residents who have a cancer diagnosis.

A growing body of research supports massage, movement therapy and meditation as effective treatments for the symptoms of pain, anxiety and sleep problems that many cancer patients face. Through human touch, we can provide peace, solace, strength—a refuge—to patients in our community as they undergo their cancer treatments. Applicants are not required to prove financial distress; HTI’s services are available to anyone with a current cancer diagnosis who is living in Monroe or its bordering counties, as funds allow.

We anticipate beginning our oncology massage program by November 2009. Our providers are all specially trained in oncology massage, and they have agreed to provide their services at a reduced rate for up to 45-minute massages. If you’d like to help us meet our initial fund-raising goal, you can make a donation here.

HTI has no paid employees and minimal overhead. Our main costs are for our Web-hosting services and insurance for our board members. In our first year, more than 80 percent of funds raised will go directly to provide services and education to the local community, including physicians.

Our leadership is headed by Kim Ross, HTI’s founder, executive director and the owner of Canalside Therapeutic Massage in Pittsford for the past eight years. Kim developed a massage program at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in 2007 where she continues to supervise a staff of six therapists. Kim also has 20 years of marketing experience.

HTI’s Board of Directors


President: Daniel Holland

Secretary: Ginny Weisel, LMT, trained in oncology massage
Treasurer: Karyl Mammano, PhD
Marketing & Events: Nancy Sutton 

Medical Advisor: Dr. Patricia Somerville 

Honorary Member: Dr. Wende Logan Young, founder of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care