Victory Center...Massage Therapy & Cancer

Vicki graduated from Orion Institute in October 2020. She joined the Back to Basics Team in November 2020. Vicki received her Oncology certificate for massage for people living with cancer in November 2020 and soon after started to volunteer at the Toledo Victory Center.

The Victory Center: their mission is to provide hope and support to cancer  patients, survivors, and those closest to them. Since 1996 they have been reaching out to  cancer patients and their families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan providing love, support, compassion, hope and laughter. In 2018 alone, they provided nearly 11,000 services to those in the community going through the journey of a lifetime. They are completely privately
​funded, no government money or health insurance reimbursements, so the generosity of businesses and individuals keeps them  going.  ​

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Hello, I am Vicki Mangum, LMT at Back to Basics Massage Therapy. After I  received my license, my first certification was oncology and massage for people living  with cancer. This certification was on the top of my list due to a previous illness that I had gone through. Although it wasn’t cancer, during my treatments at the University of Toledo Hospital and The Hickman Cancer Center, I knew that I wanted to give more, do  more. So, two weeks after I earned my oncology certification, I headed over to the Victory Center and signed up to volunteer once a week as one of their massage therapists. I had learned about The Victory Center through friends and acquaintances who were able to  take advantage of the many programs that The Victory Center has to offer.  

As I have been able to utilize my certification for oncology and massage for  people living with cancer I have witnessed the many benefits including,  

​-Relaxation and decreased muscle tension 
-Calming the mind, body and spirit
- Lymphatic drainage and Lymph circulation of the Lymphatic system -Increased blood flow and circulation for healing 
-Increased range of motion and flexibility 

Massage therapy can be the perfect complement to any type healing whether it be  cancer, surgery or injury.  It is an incredible blessing to be able to help someone feel better in any situation. Make  sure to come see me or any of our wonderful therapists soon at Back to Basics!  

The Victory Center Services: 
Therapy-Massage Therapy, Healing Touch and/or Reiki, Energy Therapy, Reflexology,  Aromatherapy, Nutrition, Facials, Counseling, Support Groups (for all types of cancer)  and Caregiver Meetings. 

Exercise classes -Yoga, healthy steps, Nia Fitness, line dancing and Pink Ribbon  Pilates. 

Creative Arts – Health Spirit Art, Zentangle, glass mosaics, beading, painting,  crafting and so many more. 

Wig Bank- Perrysburg location, where survivors can come pick out a free wig! 
The Victory Center also holds yearly events such as the Over the Edge  rappelling fundraiser where one of our own therapists, Leigh Beining, had the great  opportunity to participate in rappelling down one of Toledo’s most recognizable  buildings. Here at Back to Basics not only do we enjoy participating at these types of  community events, but also being able to provide therapy through onsite table or chair  massage.  

For more information regarding The Victory Center and how you can donate or  volunteer go to: https://thevictorycenter.org