Susan and Osiris Boutros
Interview with Susan Boutros
Why do you choose to come to Rasa and what brought you here the first time?
A friend told me about Rasa and how relaxing it was to come. My husband, Osiris, has been in poor health for the last several years and has a diagnosis of dementia. It's hard for him to participate in physical therapy, and he was becoming more and more inactive. I thought that massage might be a way to bring physical therapy to him.
We started in December with visits to Rasa four times a week. Since starting with Rasa we've seen a number of benefits. He's more alert and his appetite has improved. He had been losing weight, but his weight appears to have stabilized. The therapists have been working with him to increase flexibility and circulation. I can see the improvement in his general condition.
What role has bodywork played in your life overall?
This is pretty much a new experience for us. Although I've done Tai Chi in the past and was aware of the benefits of the exercise, I did not maintain an active schedule in recent years. This is a new start.
How often do you take time for yourself by coming to Rasa?
Not nearly enough, but I am working on that.
What are some other ways you take care of yourself?
I am attending the Tuesday Evening Meditation sessions at Rasa and look forward to restarting Tai Chi.
Do you have a favorite aspect to your connection with the Spa?
Everyone we have worked with has been great. The therapists have made suggestions on treatments to help with Osiris' needs and have shown me some ways I can help him at home.
If you could take a minute to give us a little bio that would be great! Perhaps a bit about your family, your work, your interests, and just life in general living in Ithaca.
I run my own environmental microbiology laboratory business with my son Edward Boutros. Ed and my friend Judy Robinson help me with the care of my husband. We brought the business to Ithaca about 10 years ago because of the diversity of the community and the presence of Cornell University as a resource. It's a challenge caring for someone at home but Rasa has brought comfort and other physical and mental benefits as a results of the therapy sessions.
