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Foundation News

Welcome to this special issue of Just Touch News. At the enthusiastic suggestion of one of our intrepid Instructors, we are highlighting the Instructor Program and "The Joy of Teaching Just Touch." We're keeping the news extra short and we will list all of the 2000 New Additions & Donations in the next issue when we return to our regular format. Should this issue spark your interest to expand your "BMTH education," please give us a call or an email!

In research news, the study with the University of Arizona on the effects BMTH on Stress, Pain & Blood Pressure continues every Tuesday at the Tucson Center and now also at the Honolulu Center. This is an ongoing study and initial results are fabulous! Also, research has officially begun at Amity. Residents of this drug and alcohol habilitation Center - both in the general population and in the Moms & Babies Program - will participate!

As always, we extend sincere appreciation to all of the volunteers who give their time & hearts for BMTH.

Tucson News

Here in sunny Tucson the Center has averaged about 90 sessions a week-108 one week! And after an enormous CP class, we have lots of new interns to keep us on our toes!

The big news is that we had a booth at a Cardiovascular Conference where Dr. Patch Adams was the keynote speaker. Lynnette Becker had written Patch and he responded with a handwritten letter. So, she made her mind up to meet him at the conference - and she did! She gave him a Manual & Video Set, which he appreciated, and invited us to keep in touch!

Other outreach events included the University of Arizona's Service Learning Fair, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic where Sister Mary Schild offers BMTH sessions, Villa Serena's Retirement Apartment Complex, and we gave a presentation for a group of teen heart health educators at Pima Heart Hospital.

We welcome new CP Lane Petri to the Center staff and welcome back Amada Walton. Plus, BIG thanks to our new Donations Volunteer Ann Stelmach-thank you, everyone!

Honolulu News

Here in Honolulu we're all geared up for a productive year!

Rachel Funk and Kim Hamblin have completed the "newest" BMTH video, shot in Honolulu last summer. Available now, the video is the result of many professional people who volunteered their time and energy. Had we hired a production company, cameramen, lighting people, models, a director, studio and editing time, it would have cost over $35,000. But, everything has been donated and we now have a professional-quality video ready for distribution!

Recently, BMTH was featured on the local early morning news. Because of technical problems the "live shots" were done at a nearby coffee shop, rather than at the Center. Apparently, several people called the coffee shop to make appointments! But in the end, the feature generated quite a bit of interest in BMTH.

We've participated in the Governor's Conference on Volunteerism Community Service Fair; the Parent-Community Networking Center's state conference; and also at Nu'uanu Nights, a down town block party where revelers will also have the chance to experience BMTH!

In celebration of 9 years (YES!) of BMTH in Honolulu, we are hosting a fundraising concert on May 7 at Unity Church. A great local band Irish Hearts will perform. It will be a night of great food, music and BMTH! Call the Center early for your tickets.

New CP Evan Rivers is at school in Paris and translating the BMTH manual into French! And Ted Kitamura, our newest CP, will be joining us in the Center on Mondays. Welcome Ted!

That's the latest. A Hui Ho!

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