The American Red Cross is fortunate to have a Vermont Wellness Consultants team join us every month for many of our local blood drives and at our donor center.

Phyllis Austin, owner of Vermont Wellness, originally became involved with the Red Cross in the spring of 2005 when she offered a Magnetic Massage to a donor after he had been deferred for high blood pressure. Phyllis was already volunteering her time at this Charlotte Senior Center blood drive. The massage worked in lowering his blood pressure and enabled him to give. Phyllis was so pleased to be able to help that she contacted the Red Cross and offered her time on a regular basis.

Phyllis became involved with the Wellness technologies eight years ago when her husband was experiencing severe back pain. She also used the technologies herself while recovering from breast cancer.

Phyllis has a team of Vermont Wellness Consultants who all own their own businesses and share the philosophy of helping to promote a healthy society by giving back to the community. She and her husband, Paul, own Barnhouse Bed and Breakfast in Shelburne. It is Vermont’s first wellness bed and breakfast and can be found line at wwwURPampered.com. She often volunteers her time with her daughter, Sonja Austin-Willett. Sonja has been involved with these non-invasive Wellness technologies for seven years, enabling her to have a home business while caring for her young daughters, Bailey, 8, and Perry, 6. Both mother and daughter take time out of their busy schedules to join us often for blood drives.

One of the most poignant stories Phyllis relates is about the students at Saint Michael’s College - one of Phyllis’ favorite volunteer spots. Phyllis says she met a young woman who was distraught that her twin was giving blood while she had been deferred for high blood pressure. Phyllis offered the young woman a magnetic massage which lowered her blood pressure and enabled her to give. After she had successfully donated, she came back to Phyllis with tears streaming down her face. and said, “Thank you for helping me. I know that I have saved someone’s life today!”

Phyllis and Sonja are not alone in their efforts to sooth and relax our blood donors before and after their life-giving donations. Vi Hunt, a full-time employee at VSAC, has been involved with Vermont Wellness for about two years and coordinates her volunteer service with the Red Cross through Phyllis. She has also recruited her husband, Malcolm, to join the volunteer team. Vi says her daughter volunteered with the Red Cross fifteen years ago and is continuing in the family tradition. Vi enjoys meeting people through her volunteer work and is able to give back in a small way. Phyllis sums up the groups’ philosophy well. “Everyone needs to give back in some way.” We are proud they have chosen to volunteer their time with us.

Phyllis, Sonja, Vi and Malcolm are all Wellness consultants who use a wide variety of technologies that promote health and wellness. “Magnetic Massage” is one aspect of an ancient Japanese system which has gained renewed popularity in Western culture in recent years. Energized, alkaline water is always available at blood drives where the massages are being offered. Magnetic mattresses, sleep masks, bracelets, necklaces, air filtration systems, as well as skin care and whole food nutritionals, can also be added to the list without exhausting the technologies used by the team in their businesses. All support good health in a natural way with great success. To learn more about these natural remedies, email Phyllis or her team at vtwellness@yahoo.com or talk to any of the Vermont Wellness team at the blood drive you attend.

The American Red Cross Blood Services in Vermont is extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers! We truly value their friendship.

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