Springfield, MO — May 9, 2024 —On Angels’ Wings hosted its fourth annual Mother’s Day Spa Day, providing a day of relaxation and pampering for 22 Springfield-area moms who are part of the OAW family. The event took place at the On Angels’ Wings studio on West Lark on Saturday, May 4, 2024, offering a special retreat for mothers navigating the journey of caring for a medically-fragile child or those who have experienced the loss of a child.
The day began at 12:30 PM with a peacefully guided sound bath meditation led by Jayme Sweere Yoga, designed to help attendees release stress and open themselves to receive, especially since they are so accustomed to giving.
Following the meditation, the moms enjoyed a variety of relaxing activities. Professional services donated by local vendors included relaxing neck and shoulder massages by Sonya Duncan, hair styling by Estrada’s Haven, makeup applications by Blush & Bashful Beauty Co., and henna tattoos by Rosette Studios. Additionally, Made by Mya provided crochet lessons, offering moms a new skill to help them unwind at home.
The atmosphere was further enhanced with excellent cupcakes provided by The Urban Cup, along with adult coloring books and foot spas for a complete relaxation experience. Each attendee also received a swag bag filled with thoughtful gifts, including a gift certificate for a free facial for each mom in attendance generously donated from The Only Facial, a new business in the Springfield area.
This year’s event placed a special emphasis on personal connection. In previous years, moms picked a designated time to arrive in shifts, limiting connection with others. “We adjusted the format so that everyone comes and stays the entire time,” said Michelle Cramer, Founder and Executive Director of On Angels’ Wings. “Our intention was to encourage more interaction among our recipient moms. It’s important for them to know that they are not alone, that there is a whole community that understands and supports them.”
In an anonymous survey, attendees were asked what the event meant to them. “It was a great way to connect with other moms who have been down similar paths. It was also a great way to get a break from being a medical mom for a few hours,” one recipient mom said in response.
“Thank you, OAW, for taking the time to provide a relaxing environment for moms – who are in the midst of grief or continuous caregiving for a medically fragile child – to be celebrated. It means a lot for you to think of us and pamper us,” another mom said.
Another responded saying, “It’s great because it gives me time for myself and I get to connect with others in the same or similar situations. We are all part of a club that none of us wanted to be in. But OAW makes the club better.”
On Angels’ Wings extends its deepest gratitude to all the vendors who contributed their time and talents to make this event memorable. The organization is looking forward to continuing this tradition annually, and is also working to provide a similar event in other service areas, such as St. Louis.
About On Angels’ Wings:
On Angels’ Wings, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides ongoing support and grief recovery services for families with a medically-fragile child or who lose a child at birth (regardless of race, ethnicity, class status, religion, or orientation). Services begin with free therapeutic photography, and continued mental health and wellness support is provided for the entirety of a qualifying child and/or family’s journey, all free of charge. Services are provided from maternity to the child’s 18th year across the entire state of Missouri, in Oklahoma City, and in Minneapolis.
