A blind massage therapist in Orland Park, Illinois, is making a significant impact in his community by offering free massages to single parents. Steven Stewart, who opened his practice, Unsighted Massage, in September 2025, has dedicated his efforts to giving back to those who are navigating challenging circumstances.
Stewart lost his sight eight years ago but has found greater fulfillment since then. “I’m in a better place now than I was back then — physically, emotionally, mentally — just all of the above,” he shared. His journey from working as a forklift driver to becoming a massage therapist was prompted by his vision loss. Now, he aims to support single parents, a cause close to his heart, as he attributes his success to his own mother’s sacrifices during his upbringing.
The initiative began in November, coinciding with a federal government shutdown that left approximately 2 million Illinoisans without SNAP benefits. Moved by stories of families struggling to meet their basic needs, Stewart decided to offer free massages to five randomly selected single parents via social media. His goal is to provide a moment of relief and comfort to those who are facing difficulties.
Support for Stewart’s initiative quickly grew. Tracy Beagarie, a client who found him on social media, offered to create charcuterie boards to accompany the massages. “You don’t always need the recognition for doing nice things,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to support the community anonymously. Beagarie plans to bake cookies for the parents receiving the free treatments, further enhancing the kindness being shared.
Stewart, who graduated from Moraine Valley Community College’s massage therapy program in 2023, has seen the emotional weight of his clients firsthand. “I had one client who broke down in tears just because of how bad she was struggling,” he recounted. “In the massage profession, you have to keep boundaries, but it’s hard when you come across someone who’s kind of breaking down and crying.” Despite some individuals misrepresenting their situations, he remains committed to ensuring that only single parents benefit from the current giveaway.
As Stewart’s practice grows, he has received support from others in the community, including Mary Lynn Fleck, owner of Nicole Richards Hair Salon, where his practice is located. Fleck, who has faced her own challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis, has benefited from Stewart’s lymphatic drainage treatments. “It was the best night’s sleep I got throughout my whole chemo treatment,” she remarked, highlighting the positive impact his skills have had on her health.
Stewart’s commitment to helping others aligns with Fleck’s vision for her salon. She believes his determination to build a business while giving back to the community is commendable. “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,” she stated, expressing her full support for his initiatives.
As Unsighted Massage continues to grow, Stewart’s focus remains on providing comfort and care to those in need. His dedication to helping single parents not only honors his mother’s sacrifices but also strengthens community bonds during difficult times.
