Dear President Obama and NC Representative Shuler,

We, the undersigned, are asking the Obama administration to please make Medicare/Medicaid pay for massages for the physically-challenged. Medicare/Medicaid sees massages as a ''luxury'' but for those like myself who have cerebral palsy, or some other painful muscle disorder, our muscles get tight and we have a lot of pain that is unendurable. For the past thirty-three years my father has had to pay for my massages out of his own pocket.

The benefits of massage therapy:

1) Relaxed muscles

2) Opens up carrotid arteries in the neck

3) Good for blood flow in immobile limbs

4) Creates a happy mood in patient

5) Patient can breathe easier

Massage therapy is nesscesity for me because without it my muscles remain tight and grow tighter every day I am without massage therapy.

My family has been very generous allowing me to have massage therapy once a week even though my father's Social Security has been cut in half.

After my massage I don't have to take as much medication and therefore I cut down on my doctor visits because I feel so good. I have a happier attitude and can sit in my wheelchair a little longer.

Thank you for considering my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Barb Knight