Sylla has asked me to post a few of my impressions of the work being done for the WTC-related workers of NY. We know you are wanting to hear the'latest'. I joined the team as an aromatherapist/massage therapist and returned last night. Please know that true aromatherapy has made its impact and your product donations have been incredibly received. As I placed all the bottles of e.o.'s at the bottom of a bed in Engine No.278's bunkroom, the firemen said, "Hey, those little bottles can only mean one thing - you brought us aromatherapy!" In another venue, as the odor of the morgue at Ground Zero filtered into St. Paul's Chapel on New Year's Day, a volunteer priest thanked us for the diffuser we were running. He said he could recognize this as he entered the door. Many workers have respiratory ailments that are chronic and the medical professionals say it is nothing. We hope to place air filters and diffusers in the fire stations to assist in cleaning up their lungs. (This of course will come with instruction to all about the usage.) After this tour we have many realizations of what is needed to help our heroes on the path to recovery.

As a massage therapist, I was told many first-hand experiences; wept; had bruises and sore/numb body parts from traveling the trains with a massage chair and supply bag;received fire station & police shirts and patches; was given rides in emergency vehicles with lights flashing; was locked in jail; was fed awesome food by the Salvation Army;worked on a guy named Jackie Chan & slept with a woman in my bed for 2 nights before I saw her face. Most importantly this team supported each other and loved unconditionally.

Ultimately---every person we touched or reached out to was immensely grateful and received a level of comfort.

I will return with the team over the next 5 months. It is a blessing to all. I am personally thankful for our aromatherapy community and all of you who have been so generous. The times they are a changin'! With Love and Peace wished for each of you,

Eileen Cristina
Kneading Wellness
(717)626-8182

PS - We women also had an untold number of hugs and kisses from men in uniform!