Blind massage therapist Steven Stewart is making a significant impact in his community by offering free massages to single parents in Orland Park, Illinois. Stewart, who became fully blind eight years ago, opened his business, Unsighted Massage, in September 2023, located within the Nicole Richards Hair Salon on 159th Street. His initiative aims to support single parents, a cause close to his heart as he credits his mother for her unwavering support throughout his life.
Stewart’s journey into massage therapy was a transformative experience. Before losing his sight, he worked as a forklift driver in a cold storage warehouse. Now, he finds greater fulfillment in helping others. “I’m in a better place now than I was back then — physically, emotionally, mentally — just all of the above,” he stated. His decision to provide free massages follows a call to action after many families faced financial struggles due to a federal government shutdown that impacted benefits for around 2 million Illinoisans.
Recent months have witnessed a surge of community support as Stewart announced his plans to randomly select five single parents for complimentary massages. He encourages nominations through social media, allowing him to connect with those who could truly benefit from his services. “A lot of my overhead is my time and my hands, and I don’t mind giving that to people,” he expressed.
Stewart’s first giveaway gained additional momentum when Tracy Beagarie reached out after booking a massage. The two connected during her appointment, leading Beagarie to contribute by creating charcuterie boards for the selected parents. “You don’t always need the recognition for doing nice things,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of kindness, especially as a mother herself.
Stewart’s compassionate approach has resonated deeply within the community. He described emotional encounters with clients, noting one who broke down in tears during a session. “In the massage profession, you have to keep boundaries, but it’s hard when you come across someone who’s kind of breaking down,” he reflected. Despite some individuals misrepresenting their situations, Stewart remains committed to ensuring that only single parents benefit from his giveaway.
In addition to supporting single parents, Stewart’s work has positively affected salon owner Mary Lynn Fleck, who has received lymphatic drainage therapy from him during her battle with breast cancer. Fleck shared that the treatments provided her with the best night’s sleep throughout her chemotherapy. She believes Stewart’s dedication to helping others is remarkable, noting, “There are not many people who could have their sight taken away and turn around and give back as much as Steven has given back.”
Both Stewart and Fleck are aligned in their goals of community support. Fleck emphasized the importance of kindness, which she instills in her own daughter. Their partnership has fostered a sense of safety and collaboration within the salon, where Stewart feels welcomed and supported.
As Stewart continues to grow his business while giving back, he embodies resilience and generosity. His message resonates not only with the recipients of his massages but also inspires others to contribute positively to their communities. With plans to reach more single parents, Steven Stewart’s journey reflects a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity and making a difference.
