Get a massage and help find a cure for breast cancer

Massage Envy clinics across the Chicago area will host their first "Massage for the Cure" event July 28, offering one-hour therapeutic massages to benefit the local affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

All customer donations collected that day at Massage Envy's 14 Chicago-area clinics will benefit the cause.

Phil Palumbo, owner of the Vernon Hills clinic, said so many of Massage Envy's customers are women, and this is a critical issue near and dear to many of them.

"We're all about wellness primarily for women," he said. "We're happy to do something significant."

Massage Envy also has locations in Lake Zurich, Elgin, Glen Ellyn, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oswego, Palatine, Schaumburg, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Wilmette and Wheeling.

The suggested donation is the value of the massage, which is $78, but any amount will be accepted. Several vendors will donate their products, and numerous therapists will donate their tips for the day.

All donations from Massage for the Cure will support breast cancer research and education, screening and treatment initiatives in the Chicago area. Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grass roots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. For information, visit the Web site www.komen.org or call (877) GO KOMEN.

Massage for the Cure, an annual tradition for Massage Envy in several other markets, has raised more than $350,000 to support local breast cancer efforts in four years.

Palumbo said he suggests customers make an appointment, although it is possible walk-ins would be able to receive a massage. He expects his clinic's 13 rooms will be busy that day.

"It probably will be our busiest day of the year," he said.

Appointments for Massage for the Cure can be made beginning July 21, and are limited to one reservation per person. Contact any Chicago area Massage Envy clinic at (866) 922-ENVY or visit the Web site www.massageenvy.com.