Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation is a Pleasanton-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to cancer patients undergoing alternative, healing therapies, such as acupuncture, theraputic massage and guided meditation, that are not covered by insurance. (Photos courtesy of Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation)

Ray Hartjen never tried acupuncture until he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) in May 2019 — a difficult thing to digest even before treatment starts. 

But then came the chemotherapy, steroids and immunotherapy, not to mention the resulting painful side effects. The Pleasanton resident suffered skin rashes, fatigue, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea, all of which can feel as bad as the cancer itself. 

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