I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring of 2004. Mastectomy was the first course of action, and I had just finished six treatments of chemotherapy. With the blessing of my oncologist, I thought a massage would be a nice distraction. I have had many and thought I knew what to expect.

When I first arrived at the Therapeutic Healing Institute (THI), I suspected this would be more than just an average massage. I soon found it would be the course of my healing process and the power I have over it. Words alone can not begin to describe the atmosphere. The walk from my car to the door of THI began the transformation, and actually entering THI completed it. I had been in and out of clinical and hospital settings and was having strong association nausea when I would enter or even think of these facilities. This is quite common, and I think I, and many other chemotherapy patients, would forgo the offer of THI’s services if it were in a clinical setting. Association nausea was that strong for me. For that reason alone, I especially welcomed the enchanting Italian villa atmosphere. THI is a beautiful and exciting place.

From the moment I walked in and was led to my warm foot bath while having my consultation, I realized that Tom Luke, Executive Director of THI, was completely committed to bettering my physical and emotional well-being. Though I had just met him that day, my care seemed as important to him as it was to any of my family members. His passion to help cancer patients going through cancer treatments is solid. Through my session, I felt comfortable and not self-conscious in his presence. I found out the massage was just a small part of many tailored healing services that I would receive that day and in the following sessions.

At the moment of my diagnosis, I began to fear my body and the disease it carried. It felt safe to disassociate my mind from my body, though I knew the opposite was necessary for a more complete recovery. THI’s services and Tom’s nurturing and compassionate manner made me feel safe again to merge my mind, body, and spirit. I lost the fear of my body and felt a stronger control and power over cancer. I believe my experience with THI changed the part I played in my recovery. The good feeling I have that cancer patients that have been devastated by a diagnosis of cancer could receive the help of THI, brings tears to my eyes. I get a great sense of comfort knowing this experience is there for others going through this struggle.
Kathleen Rowland, THI Patient

From the moment that I learned of my cancer, I began searching in books, on the internet, asking doctors and friends, to learn everything I could about my diagnosis. My consensus (my logic) was that the prevention and the cure were very much alike. The immune system, being the focus, revolves around many variables. Mainly being your diet (what you should and should not eat), your exercise agenda, your family genetics, your family and job relationships, your faith, and how you cope with your newly diagnosed disease. All this can be very stressful, and this stress can aid in the rapid growth of those ‘free’ radical cells.

Tom Luke at the Therapeutic Healing Institute relieves those stressful feelings, gives you a renewed sense of hope, and helps your mind and body find serenity; all an integrated part of the healing process.
Dale. V., THI Patient

I was a 40-year old who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I thought my life had ended when I heard my diagnosis and the treatment regime that was recommended for my type of cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, reconstruction, and radiation were a part of my life and my family’s life over the course of the next ten months, at least. I was introduced to the possibility of using Tom Luke at the Therapeutic Healing Institute in order to help me through some of the more difficult days following chemo sessions. I was willing to try anything to help me through the next eleven sessions of chemotherapy.

From the moment I walked into THI, I was overtaken by the atmosphere and aroma that was present. I felt a great sense of comfort during my initial consultation with Tom; sipping hot tea and discussing my plan of care. For one short moment, I had completely forgotten about my cancer diagnosis and the pain and agony that go along with the chemotherapy sessions. The next two hours I had with Tom only confirmed my initial thoughts when I walked in the door. Tom has a wonderful way of turning ‘my’ disease into ‘our’ disease. He made me feel like we are walking this medical journey of mine together. I looked forward to each session. Tom and I knew that he and I would work through this most difficult time in my life. I consider Tom a friend and a confidant. THI and Tom have painted a positive outlook on the cancer experience.
Brenda Burton, THI Patient

I was diagnosed with lung cancer and uterine cancer. Prior to my illness, I took care of my beloved sister who died of cancer. My sister’s death alone turned my whole world upside down. The anxiety, turmoil, and challenges I have faced in the last year have been enormous. My doctor suggested I contact the Therapeutic Healing Institute. I expected a massage, but the whole experience at THI was so much more than that. Just walking in, there was a feeling of calmness and tranquility about the place. I was greeted by Tom Luke, who had such a caring, gentle spirit about him. I could sense Tom sincerely wanted to help out his fellowman in this world of hurting people. I feel he is on a mission to help others and does just that.

It had been a very long time since I had felt that good, if ever. For the time I was there, I felt pampered and did not have a care in the world. It was a wonderful experience. I want to thank everyone for their donations to THI. It is greatly appreciated!
Beverly Waldhalm, THI Patient

When I first walked into THI the atmosphere, the aroma, and the music put me at ease. Tom showed me around and soaked my feet in a warm foot bath, and we talked about my treatment—what I had already gone through and what was to come next. It was easy to talk with Tom. He is a good listener and he wants to know as much about your cancer treatments and medications as possible, so he can understand and help other people with cancer. I was then showed to another room where he did a facial, shoulder, scalp, arm, and foot massage. With the wonderful relaxation music, the lighting, and the aromatherapy you can’t help but forget (at least for a little while) that you are free from this disease that has taken over your body. I didn’t want my session to end; it was so emotionally and spiritually fulfilling. Now I almost don’t mind going to my next chemotherapy because I have something good to look forward to.
Becky Almont, THI Patient

During this time, an employee from a hospital home medical equipment store gave me information about Tom Luke and the Therapeutic Healing Institute. She told me THI is supported by corporate and personal donations and that THI services are designed especially for cancer patients. I called and was able to set up an appointment some time after surgery and before my first chemo treatment. I continued to go to THI throughout my chemo and radiation treatments. Although treatment went amazingly well, it still wasn’t easy and there were many emotional ups and downs. I like to think of Tom Luke as a bright spot along a path that was often dark and uncertain. The THI sessions were a time of relaxation and peacefulness for mind and body. It was a special time of pampering and was all about “me,” not my disease or my treatment. Unlike the many other appointments I had to go to, I looked forward to these. Tom is very compassionate and caring. He has his own physical challenges, yet he doesn’t complain or let that prevent him from reaching out and helping others in need. He is an inspiration, and I’ve enjoyed building a relationship with him.
Kim Corbin, THI Patient

Mr. Tom Luke is a well respected therapist in the Sioux Falls community, who has put forward a therapeutic program for the treatment of extremely ill chemotherapy and radiation treatment patients. His program is proven and has been a benefit to cancer patients. In addition, Tom’s kindness, gentleness, and soothing nature are therapeutic in and of themselves. Tom is personally challenged by significant loss of vision and hearing. He has risen above the challenge and is able to provide a high level of therapeutic benefits to others with challenges.
Lloyd E. Solberg, MD, PhD, FACC

The healing services provided by THI help offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. During the administration of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, most patients feel at their worst mentally and physically. These services help integrate the medical and healing services together, which empower the patient to participate in their own healing process. THI provides comfort and compassion through services outside a medical setting.
Juliann Reiland-Smith, MD, FACS

CityStyle, December 2005

Etc. Magazine, December 2005
Etc. Magazing, June 2006
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Prime Magazing, March 2006