Our Story
Our founding members, all from the healthcare industry, have a history of and a passion for serving their local community’s healthcare needs. Their experience made clear the tremendous lack of health along with the tremendous lack of resources of those who need help. Thus the desire and call for each of them to step into a greater role of service surfaced. Read each story below.
While doing research in forming our own non-profit from scratch, the philosophy and mission of Hands for Life attracted us. The idea of collaborating with other chapters nationwide inspired a greater vision of the level of impact we might be able to have on the community around us as well as the greater community of humanity. At the beginning of 2019, we launched a chapter of Hands For Life called Hands for Life South Casas Adobes Tucson. We are excited to be a part of the Hands for Life organization and align our goals in serving the health and wellness of our local communities on a greater scale, so as to make a greater ripple effect for humanity as a whole.
Our Mission
To create a natural avenue for the underserved, financial hard-shipped population throughout the world to regain their health through:
1. Chiropractic care creating an efficiently running nervous system,
2. Accessible clean water and healthy food,
3. The opportunity to have a superior education so that each person can reach their god given potential and create a healthier world tomorrow.
Our Purpose
Hands For Life is a non profit 501(c)3 that prides itself on looking for the “greater good” within each individual on God’s planet. We understand there may be a divide that separates people based on culture, ethnicity, race, etc., and Hands For Life sees these difference’s as reasons to unite as one! Just like a rainbow has different colors, those colors makes up its inherent beauty. HFL sees the same inherent beauty within all people on our planet. Our differences and individual uniqueness’ make our world more exciting, more educational and more real. Hands For Life is dedicated to creating a healthier world while honoring the differences amongst us. We travel the globe to touch lives and educate people about health. Through chiropractic and a natural lifestyle, along with water, food and education, Hands For Life sees its role as a facilitator to unleash the God given potential residing within each person. Sustainability, empowerment, better health and self sufficiency are what we leave behind after we touch so many. Our goal is simple: to make sure every man, woman and child have a high functioning nerve system, enough food and water for great nutrition, and an education so they can read, write, and have the basic skills so they can thrive and thus make a better contribution to the world.
Our Team
We’re a family of chiropractors serving to make the world a healthier, more connected place. Our team understands the disparity in healthcare across the globe. There are some communities with access to excellent chiropractic care. There are other groups of people who have no way of receiving the benefit of chiropractic care. Our team came together to try and shrink the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots”.
A Tucson native, Dr Gerszewski started her career in Albuquerque, NM in 1996 after graduating from Life Chiropractic College (now University) in 1995. Within the first year of practice, a patient approached her asking her to care for a group of in-home addiction recovery patients pro bono. She agreed, which started her career-long love of volunteer service work.
Shortly after moving back home to Tucson, AZ in 2006 and starting her practice there, she searched for a charitable organization to help. She joined the Flying Samaritans group, which flies to small towns in Mexico giving health care clinics to those who have no access to doctors due to poverty and/or a remote location. Throughout her career, she has always volunteered her spinal care to many individuals who cannot afford her services.
“When the idea of starting a Hands for Life chapter surfaced, I realized that this would be a way to link all of these charitable activities and organizations that I enjoy, and the formation of this 501c-3 will allow me to increase my capacity to give and serve.”
Chiropractor Cynthia Gerszewski DCHelen Herziger, MSW, LCSW, has been a social worker for over 40 years. She has functioned as a director/administrator for programs focused on behavioral health care for children within the public health system for most of that time. In particular, she was director for behavioral health programs working with young children (birth to 5 years old) and their families. She has lived in Tucson since 1978 but grew up in Wisconsin.
“I am glad to be part of Hands to Life and ensuring that quality health care is available to those who need it.”
Helen HerzigerMaryann Marian, MSW, LSW has worked in the non-profit sector for over 35 years. As Director of a Mobile Health unit, she worked on bringing preventive health services to the underserved. Maryann’s career has included working in various issues such as drug addiction, infant mortality, suicide prevention and older adult health education. In addition she has consulted with non-profits on strategic planning.
“I am excited to work with Hands for Life South Casa Adobes Tucson. It is so important for care to be made available to those in need, regardless of ability to pay.”
Maryann MarianMadeline O’Harra studied conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason University. She has worked in a variety of sectors, including in education when teaching English in Japan, in corporate international trade, and international development and conflict intervention at a non-governmental organization (NGO). Her broad knowledge base and professional experience brings a unique perspective to the HFLSCAT Board.
“My experience as a caregiver for my parents has changed my perspective on maximizing health and wellness in order to live our best lives. Being on the HFLSCAT Board gives me an opportunity to advocate for that and to see the operational perspective of how providers find ways to serve patients with challenges to accessing medical care.”
Madeline O'HarraTracy was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition when she was six weeks old. Against all odds and despite numerous challenges, she lives an adventurous and compassionate life.
After graduating in 1982 from the University of Arizona with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, she began an advocacy career by working at two different Independent Living Centers (ILC) to assist people with disabilities. First she developed and implemented a Personal Care Attendant Training program at the AZ Bridge to Independent Living in Phoenix. Later she relocated to Santa Fe, N.M. to be the Transitional Living Director at New Vistas ILC.
Returning to her hometown Tucson, Tracy created an innovative curriculum at the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts to teach massage therapy students how to build a successful barrier-free practice to serve physically challenged clients. The popular elective class evolved to become a nationally recognized hands-on continuing education clinic called Touch/Ability™.
To recognize 8 years of community service as a volunteer and chairperson for the City of Tucson Commission on Disability Issues Tracy received a Copper Letter ~ Extra-Ordinary Citizen.
Tracy’s lifestyle approach resembles a vibrant rainbow: healthy nutrition, active fitness, traditional western and integrative medicine, alternative treatments, Biomagnetic Pairs, bodywork, Somatic Respiratory Integration (SRI), enzyme and amino acid supplements, artistic crafting, spiritual awareness, and nature. Her journey to age with dignity embraces a never-ending quest to discover ways to soothe pain, maintain mobility, strengthen brittle bones, and enhance wellbeing. Soft Bones™ membership, a nonprofit organization, gives her an online opportunity to support individuals and families involved with Hypophosphatasia.
Making a difference as part of Hands for Life South Casas Adobes Tucson is an honor to Tracy.
Tracy WilliamsWe we wish you health and wellness. Please visit our Facebook page to see our latest activities: