Bridgewater Resident Is 'Diva For The Day'

For one day, Nevia Carrero, of Bridgewater, was able to toss her worries aside, slip into a comfortable robe and slippers and just enjoy a series of pampering treatments at Cenergié Spa, in Basking Ridge.

But Carrero is not just another woman who is stressed out from a life of never-ending chores and obligations. 

For the last three years, Carrero has been fighting for her life in a battle with stage III ovarian cancer.

When Carrero, a patient at Somerset Medical Center's Steeplechase Cancer Center, was told last month that she was selected to be the first "Diva for the Day" and receive spa treatments, she was thrilled.

"I cried like a baby," she said.

Through the newly launched "Diva for the Day" program, a patient believed to be deserving of some relaxation at the medical center is selected to enjoy a special day of spa services donated by Cenergié Spa. The chosen "diva" is treated to a day of relaxation that includes a full-body massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and a nutritious lunch. 

Carrero said that as she walked into the candlelit massage room on her special day in October, she felt a great sense of relaxation wash over her.

"I felt like a movie star," she said. "I never felt so spoiled in my life."

She said the day at the spa was just what she needed to forget about her problems.

"It was so amazing, and I didn't think about my cancer that day," she said. "I wasn't worried about what the doctor might tell me next. They made me feel so special."

The "Diva for the Day" program was the brainchild of breast cancer survivors Peggy Matzen, of Basking Ridge, and Debbie Sestokas, of Warren, who are volunteer healing touch practitioners at The Steeplechase Cancer Center.

Matzen and Sestokas have volunteered at Steeplechase for the past two years.

"We were inspired by the amazing spirits and journeys of the patients we have come to know," Matzen said. "These patients spend so much time at the hospital for appointments and treatments that we wanted to give them a little escape from it all, a day to feel special."

"We wanted to give something back because they give us so much," Sestokas added.

When Matzen and Sestokas approached Dr. Elaine Montouris, co-owner of Cenergié Spa, about partnering to offer the program, Montouris and co-owner Dan Donlevie jumped in with enthusiasm.

Cenergié Spa provides a unique combination of personalized medical, spa and fitness services in a physician-supervised, state-of-the-art facility on Mountainview Boulevard in Basking Ridge.

"We were thrilled to be asked to participate in this," Montouris said. "A day at the spa can help people with cancer forget about being sick. Here, they're just like everybody else. Being pampered helps lift their spirits and gives them hope."

Bridgewater resident, and Steeplehase Cancer Center oncology social work, Nancy Cullinan, said she supports this program that provides and opportunity for the person beyond just treating the disease.

"Programs like this are an example of how Steeplchase Cancer Center treats the whole person, and not just the disease," she said..

The Cenergié Spa provides lunch and beauty products, and other surprises, at no charge. The spa staff members volunteer their time and services, and transportation to and from the spa is provided by the American Cancer Society.

"When you feel beautiful, you feel better about yourself," said Katrina Losa, director of The Steeplechase Cancer Center. "That positive attitude and outlook is so important to patients who are coping with a cancer diagnosis."

For Carrero, the day at the spa provided a much-needed break away from her everyday reality. But Carrero said she has learned to simply take one day at a time, and draw on her faith in God.

"My doctor told me there is no cure for what I have, so I take it day by day," she said.

"While there is no cure for it, with the right treatments, my life can be prolonged," she adding, citing that she utilizes all of the integrative treatments available at The Steeplechase Cancer Center, including healing touch, Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, nutritional cooking classes and a spiritual support program.

At the end of her special day, Carrero said she couldn't believe her eyes when she was even presented with two dozen white roses.

"I still have them and they still give me joy," she said.

Carrero said she believes that her attitude is absolutely critical to prolonging her life.

"I am very religious, and I believe in God and I believe in miracles," she said.