In a feature story at NBC4, Jerilyn Ray-Shelley and her daughter, Megan, both cancer survivors, are using Reiki as part of their healing process. According to the news story, Megan Shelley, 27, of Silver Spring, started Reiki therapy after her mother recommended it. Four years ago, Megan was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Several months later, her mother, Jerilyn learned she had endometrial cancer. "About a year ago, I started crying all the time," Jerilyn said. "I just felt hopeless about life." Jerilyn said Reiki helped lift her depression. Both women go to Washington Hospital Center for Reiki therapy.

Washington Hospital Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the Integrative Medicine Outpatient Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Intergative Therapies Program for Children with Cancer at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and Metropolitan South Health Center are a few of the cancer hospitals and medical centers offering Reiki to cancer patients and survivors. According to Wikipedia, Reiki is a form of complementary or alternative medicine, rediscovered by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk. The origins of Reiki may date back before that to ancient Buddhist healing practices. While it has gained popularity throughout the Western World, it is still considered by many to be a form of quackery.  The Medical Research on Reiki Therapy offers comprehensive information and research documentation on the practice of Reiki.

Kylie Minogue, 37, diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer in May 2005, is reported to be in full remission. After eight months of surgeries and chemotherapy, she is said to be gaining weight and feeling optimistic about the future. In addition to the conventional medical treatments for breast cancer, Minogue used a variety of alternative therapies, including visualization practices, nutrition, massage and Reiki. Minogue is spending time with her family in Melbourne, Australia, tending to the garden and possibly writing a book for children. She plans on touring later this year.