The Energizer spa will stop in 20 cities this year.

About 100 women participated in the one-day event.

Staff members of Turtle Cove Spa donated their time to provide massages and manicures.

Oct. 10, 2008 | A sunny autumn day was made even brighter for breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers courtesy of the Energizer battery company.

The Energizer ReTreat Spa set up shop for four hours Oct. 9 to offer complimentary back massages and manicures at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

“We want to encourage these ladies to relax, recharge and remain strong. That’s why we’re here,” said Energizer spokeswoman Carman Stalker.

As a national series sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure, Energizer representatives travel via RV to cities throughout the country to offer the event for women affected by breast cancer. This year included stops at 20 cancer centers and local Races for the Cure. Little Rock was the 17^th city in the tour, to be followed by Miami.

“We call it pink pampering,” Stalker said. “We want to reach as many people as possible.”

At each stop, a local spa partners with Energizer to provide the massages and manicures. For the third year, Turtle Cove Spa has offered its services during the Little Rock stop.

“Our staff loves participating in this event. Everyone looks forward to it,” said Debi Barnes, owner of Turtle Cove Spa, which is located at Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita.

About 100 women took advantage of the services at UAMS, while Stalker estimated another 200-300 would participate during the Race for the Cure in downtown Little Rock Oct. 11.