Family and caregivers of those who struggle with developmental disabilities devote much of their lives to easing the physical and emotional hardships of those in their loving care. In support of those with disabilities and their caregivers, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s worldwide foundation hosts “A Night to Shine”, an annual event held across the United States that celebrates developmentally disabled, physically handicapped youth and those adults and family members who provide diligent, loving care to them.
This year A Night to Shine values, honors and supports disabled guests and their families through a prom for youth with special needs and special relaxation treatments for their caregivers. Carrington College is proud to be among those holding that caring community in high esteem.
Carrington College’s Boise campus had twelve students and three staff members who volunteered to participate in this year’s celebration that included a prom-like event for high school age special needs youth and an evening of pampering for their family members and caregivers.
It was a feel-good evening for parents and caregivers to enjoy a little pampering, including chair massages provided by thirteen Carrington College Massage Therapy students. “Parents and caregivers don’t often have the opportunity to go out and enjoy therapeutic stretching and massage therapy,” says Crystal Berhow, Massage Therapy instructor at the college. “Our students were excited to volunteer complimentary chair massages for caregivers and show their appreciation for those providing so much for these special needs children and adults.”
While the young special needs attendees enjoyed their prom celebration, family members and caregivers found a bit of refuge at the hands of Carrington College Massage Therapy students, eager to bring some much-needed relief to caregivers’ overstressed shoulders and necks. Everyone who signed up for that bit of relief left feeling the immense benefit of therapeutic touch.
“Helping parents and caregivers relax, even for just 10-15 minutes, meant the world to me,” says Kendra Eden, Massage Therapy student. “I didn’t realize how much it meant to them until a parent stood up after her chair massage, with tears in her eyes, thanking me for the chance to relax and turn her mind off for that little while. It’s truly amazing what the power of God can do. I am so blessed that Carrington College and Night to Shine gave me the opportunity to pour my heart and soul into giving massages.”
“It was out of the kindness of their hearts that our students and staff volunteered their time and skills to families who mostly don’t have the opportunity to feel that love and support,” says Crystal Berhow. “Some caregivers even got a little weepy, giving our Massage Therapy program students tearful hugs and thanking them for that muscle tension relief.”
“Our focus was the caregiver, and it’s not easy for them to get away,” says Crystal. “We got to spoil them and thank them for their service. Our twelve Massage Therapy students gave over 60 massages.”
It wasn’t always a comfortable procedure. Some family members and caregivers were older and had oxygen tanks to accommodate, so Massage Therapy program students had to make careful, cautious movements. But they positioned all recipients sensitively and comfortably for their massage experience.
“I am incredibly proud of these students,” says Crystal. “By taking their skills beyond the classroom to serve others, they’re not only demonstrating excellence as students, but also showing the compassion and character that make them truly remarkable people. Their commitment is both humbling and deeply inspiring, and the impact they’re making in their community is truly meaningful.”
This is the college’s fourth year to participate in this well-received event – with the highest turnout to date. Carrington College’s commitment to community service is an intricate part of all their business, medical and technical programs. Students and graduates are better prepared for their new career roles and responsibilities, having a clear perception of their career scope.
