Portland massage therapist makes porch deliveries to seniors while coronavirus has temporarily closed her bus - oregonlive.com

[massage]

Neesie Doss can’t wait to return to the business of running her business, in part because the nature of her profession as a massage therapist is helping people feel better.

The coronavirus outbreak has temporarily shuttered Doss’ PDX Healing Massage, which has an office in Portland and Salem and employs seven licensed therapists. They have hundreds of clients, among them health care workers and seniors. Doss and her staff are on unemployment until Oregon gives the all-clear to open business again.

“I’m massaging my dog and cat a lot,” Doss said.

One day while walking her dog in her Northeast Portland neighborhood, Doss saw a neighbor conversing with someone in their late 60s, asking how they were doing and do you need anything. The elderly person said they could use some hand sanitizer. One thing led to another, and hand sanitizer was delivered to the person’s porch.

Doss felt confident the two didn’t know each other. Just someone helping someone during a time of need.

Something Doss could do while waiting for business to resume. So Doss went to her database of clients and emailed all the people who might be considered “high-risk” for a coronavirus infection, such as seniors and those with health issues. Her offer was simple: need supplies, like groceries or toilet paper? I can deliver them to your porch.

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Doss got responses. One person had a spouse who was about to go on chemotherapy and could use some toilet paper and towels. No problem. Others requested some standard pantry items.

“I live a block from Fred Meyer, and it’s no problem,” Doss said. “It’s not the money or time, it’s the interaction. If we all do this, it could make a big difference. The outreach gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling.”

Doss recently increased her offers. She has a couple dozen health care workers among her clients. When her business opens, they’re all entitled to one hour of massage on the house.

This type of generosity isn’t out of Doss’ business character. During the 2018 Columbia Gorge fires, she offered firefighters a free 30-minute massage. Each year, PDX Healing Massage does an annual food and coat drive for those in need.

While those receiving such gifts as a bag of groceries or a free massage are in need, so is Doss.

“This is probably helping me more,” she said. “People are so happy to see you.”

--Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel

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