Policies & Procedures
Massage is Life in-office policies and procedures below
Inclusion Wellness Policies can be found here
On-the-Go Policies Here
Policies & Procedures
Please review all policies carefully prior to booking. These policies are designed to protect both the client and therapist, ensure fairness, and allow for a smooth scheduling process.
Understanding and Policies
Please know that I strive to be understanding and compassionate, often addressing situations on a case-by-case basis, as I truly recognize that life happens. Emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, and last-minute changes are all part of life, and I aim to accommodate when possible.
However, I ask for your understanding in return. Late cancellations, no-shows, and other disruptions occur multiple times a week, and sometimes even several times in a single day. As a small business and solo practitioner, I rely heavily on clients keeping their appointments. These occurrences can be financially detrimental to my practice, impacting my ability to sustain and grow my business.
Policies are not in place to penalize clients but to protect the viability of my practice. Without these boundaries, the harm caused by missed appointments and last-minute changes would be overwhelming. Your cooperation helps ensure I can continue to provide the quality care and services you deserve. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Payment Policies Click Here
Cancel/Rescheduling/No Show Policies Click Here
Sick Policy Click Here
Appointment Policies Click Here
Medical Clearance Policy Click Here
Payment Policies
To ensure a smooth booking and payment process, please review the following policies carefully:
All prepaid services are nonrefundable; All services non-transferable
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Prepayment for all service required
Prepayment is required and must be made using a credit/debit card, HSA, or Independent Health Extras card only. The booking system does not accept the Square E-Gift Cards as payment
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Using Gift Certificates or Account Credits:
If you wish to use a gift certificate or account credit, please book under the Gift Certificate/Account Credit Category
Note: A credit card on file is still required when booking.
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Rebooking In-Office Payments:
Payment for in-office appointments can be made using:-
Apple Pay
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Google Pay
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Tap to Pay
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Credit/Debit Cards
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HSA Cards
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Independent Health Extra Cards
For cash payments, please bring the exact amount, as no cash is kept on the premises to provide change.
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Cancellation & Reschedule Policies
Standard Cancellation/Reschedule Policy
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Appointments may be canceled up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled time without penalty.
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To cancel or reschedule a prepaid service:
➔ Text (preferred) or call 716-218-0676
➔ Include:-
Full Name
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Date & Time of Appointment
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New date & time you would like to reschedule (please check the booking schedule first to see availability)
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Prepaid reschedules:
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Must occur within 30 days of the original appointment.
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Only one reschedule allowed per appointment.
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Failure to reschedule within this period will result in forfeiture.
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Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to the Late Cancellation Policy below.
Late Cancellations (Less than 24 Hours Notice)
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Prepaid sessions: Forfeited.
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Non-prepaid sessions:
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100% of the service fee charged to card on file.
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Gift certificates/account credits will be redeemed first; any remaining balance charged to card on file.
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Late cancellations must still be canceled via text or email. Once canceled, you may go online to rebook with full payment.
No-Show Policy
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Defined as: Failure to arrive or notify within 15 minutes of your scheduled appointment.
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Prepaid sessions: Forfeited.
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Non-prepaid sessions:
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100% of the service fee charged.
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Gift certificates/account credits applied first; remaining balance charged to card on file.
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Clients who no-show may lose booking privileges (case-by-case basis).
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If your card cannot be charged for any applicable fees, future booking privileges will be suspended.
Repeated Cancellations
Massage Is Life reserves the right to refuse future bookings for clients with repeated:
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Late cancellations
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No-shows
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Excessive reschedules
Clients will be given advance warning before booking privileges are revoked.
Sick Policy
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If you arrive sick, your appointment will be canceled immediately.
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Result:
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Prepaid sessions forfeited.
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Non-prepaid sessions charged in full.
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Please reschedule if you are feeling unwell to protect me and maintain a safe environment for all clients.
Inclement Weather Policy
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No penalty for cancellations due to inclement weather, travel bans, or advisories.
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Clients may reschedule without penalty.
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Refunds will not be issued for weather-related cancellations.
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Weather is closely monitored as I commute from Buffalo, where conditions can vary.
Therapist Cancellation Policy
If I need to cancel due to illness, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances:
Prepaid (non-package) sessions:
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You may choose to:
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Receive a full refund (allow 5-7 business days for processing), OR
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Reschedule and receive a $30 account credit after your rescheduled visit.
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Non-prepaid sessions:
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You may reschedule your appointment and receive a $30 discount at your rescheduled appointment.
Packages:
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Receive a $30 account credit, which may be applied toward oil upgrades, future package purchases, or services.
Sick Policy & COVID/Flu Policy
Your health and safety, as well as mine, are of utmost importance. Please review the following guidelines carefully before your appointment:
Feeling Unwell
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If you are feeling unwell, please cancel or reschedule your appointment.
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If you arrive exhibiting symptoms such as fever, coughing, or continuous sneezing, your session will be canceled immediately, and you will forfeit your session. The full cost of the service will be charged.
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Please be mindful: When I am sick, I am unable to work, which results in financial loss. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Vaccinations
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After receiving a COVID-19 or flu vaccination, please wait 3–4 days before scheduling your massage.
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This allows your body to process the vaccine, minimize side effects (soreness, fatigue, low-grade fever), and reduce any additional discomfort during your massage.
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Always listen to your body — if you are experiencing any side effects or symptoms, please wait until they fully subside before booking or attending your appointment.
Face Masks
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Face masks are optional during your session.
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Please do whatever makes you feel most comfortable while receiving your massage.
Awaiting COVID-19 Test Results
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If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please reschedule your appointment until you receive a negative result.
Positive COVID-19 Test
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If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please reschedule your appointment. You may return for services once you receive a negative test result.
Skin Conditions
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If you have any contagious skin condition (including ringworm, warts, or rashes), please cancel and reschedule your appointment once cleared by a medical professional.
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If a contagious condition is discovered during your session, the appointment will be canceled immediately, and the session will be forfeited.
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Please list any diagnosed skin conditions on your annual intake form prior to treatment.
Rescheduling & Cancellations
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When canceling or rescheduling due to illness or any of the above situations, please follow all regular Late Cancellation or No-Show Policies to avoid additional penalties.
Appointment Policies
To ensure a smooth and professional experience, please review the following policies:
Arrival and Timing
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Late Arrivals: If you arrive late, your session will still end at the scheduled time to accommodate the next client.
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Arrival Time: Please arrive at least 5 minutes early, but no more than 10 minutes before your appointment.
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Locked Door Policy: If the door is locked, please do not knock. It will be unlocked 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Running Late
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If you are running late, please be courteous and contact me via phone ONLY at 716-218-0676 (text preferred).
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Do not contact me via social media messenger or email for time-sensitive updates.
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If you are more than 15 minutes late without contacting me, you will be considered a no-show, resulting in:
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100% of the service charge,
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Loss of prepaid session, or
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Gift certificate redemption (whichever is applicable).
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Session Timing
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Sessions will end at the scheduled duration, regardless of early or late arrivals. For example, if your session is scheduled to end at 12:25 p.m., it will conclude at that time even if it starts early.
Guests & Visitors Policy
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To maintain a quiet, private, and professional environment, no additional guests are permitted in the office unless they are accompanying a minor for a scheduled minor appointment.
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If you require assistance due to a medical need, please contact me in advance to discuss accommodations.
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Unapproved guests will not be permitted to wait in the treatment space or waiting area during sessions.
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This policy helps protect the privacy of all clients, ensures safety, and allows me to focus fully on your care during your scheduled time.
After Your Appointment
Please be mindful that I may have another client scheduled after your session.
While I want you to take your time gathering yourself after treatment, I kindly ask that you:
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Get dressed in a timely manner
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Return any phone calls or texts once you’ve exited the space
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Be mindful of time when finishing up so I have enough time to prepare the space for the next client
This allows me to properly reset the room and ensure the next client arrives into the same calm, ready-to-go environment you experienced.
Appointment Modifications
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No changes (e.g., duration or time adjustments) can be made within 24 hours of your appointment.
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Please note that all services are non-transferable.
Forms and Confirmations
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Annual Intake Form: Please ensure all required forms are completed prior to your appointment. Failure to complete the intake form may result in reduced hands-on time, as it is a mandatory state requirement before receiving services.
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Appointment Form: Two days before your appointment, you will receive an "appointment form." This form must be completed and submitted by 8 a.m. on the day of your appointment.
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Confirmation Notifications: You will receive an automated text/email 48 hours prior to your appointment. If you need to reschedule, follow the instructions provided in the notification.
Medical Clearance Policy
Your safety and well-being are my top priorities. Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical care, and certain conditions require written clearance from your healthcare provider prior to treatment. This is not optional — it is a firm requirement to protect your health and ensure massage therapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
Medical Clearance Is Required In The Following Cases:
➔ After Surgery
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Written clearance is required from your surgeon or healthcare provider before scheduling your appointment.
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This ensures:
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Your body has healed enough to safely receive massage.
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There is no risk of disrupting the surgical site or interfering with your recovery.
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Massage is appropriate for your specific post-surgical condition.
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➔ Pregnancy
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For high-risk pregnancies or any medical concerns, written clearance from your OB/GYN is required before receiving massage.
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For low-risk pregnancies, medical clearance is not required but strongly recommended. You should always consult your doctor to confirm massage is safe for both mother and baby.
➔ Postnatal (After Childbirth)
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Written clearance is required after childbirth if:
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You are recovering from a C-section.
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Any post-birth complications occurred.
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Your provider has given postnatal restrictions.
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This ensures your body has healed sufficiently to receive massage without placing you at risk.
➔ Severe Illnesses or Complex Medical Conditions
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Written clearance is required for any serious or ongoing medical conditions, including but not limited to:
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Cancer (including while in treatment or in remission)
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Cardiovascular conditions
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Autoimmune disorders
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Blood clotting disorders
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Uncontrolled diabetes
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Any condition your healthcare provider deems necessary for medical supervision.
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This ensures:
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Massage will not interfere with your ongoing treatment.
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Therapy can be provided safely and effectively.
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Major Medical Changes
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It is your responsibility to notify me of any major medical changes that occur between appointments. This includes new diagnoses, recent hospitalizations, surgeries, procedures, or significant changes in your medications.
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Failure to disclose major health changes may put you at risk during your massage session and could result in services being postponed until proper medical clearance is obtained.
Injections, Shots, & Medical Procedures
While injections and shots may not always require formal medical clearance, it is strongly advised that you:
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Consult with your healthcare provider before receiving massage following any injection or medical procedure.
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This includes:
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Cortisone injections
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Trigger point injections
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Epidural steroid injections
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Botox or filler injections
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Vaccinations (outside of flu/COVID, which follow separate guidelines)
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Any injected medication or medical treatment involving joints, muscles, or nerves
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Why:
Massage applied over recently injected areas may:
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Disrupt medication absorption
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Cause increased inflammation or irritation
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Interfere with your physician’s intended treatment plan
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Delay healing or worsen symptoms if done too soon
It is always safest to give your body time to respond to the injection and allow tissues to settle prior to receiving massage.
If you are unsure, please contact me in advance so we can determine appropriate timing for your session.
Why This Policy Is Firm
Massage therapy, while highly beneficial, creates physical changes in the body that can negatively impact certain medical conditions if not handled properly. Clearance protects both your safety and my professional license. I will not perform any massage services that could jeopardize your well-being without proper authorization.
If you arrive to your appointment without the required clearance, your session will be canceled and subject to my cancellation policy.
Questions or Assistance?
If you have any questions regarding this policy or need assistance in understanding what documentation is required, please contact me directly prior to scheduling your session.
Your safety is my highest priority. I appreciate your understanding and full cooperation.
Cancellation & Refund Policy (On-the-Go Specific)
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All On-the-Go appointments are non-refundable once booked due to limited area-based scheduling.
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Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to be eligible for an On-the-Go credit.
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If you cancel with proper notice (more than 24 hours in advance), you will be issued an On-the-Go credit that can be used when I return to your area.
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The credit will remain active for 6 months, but can only be applied to future On-the-Go dates in your specific service area.
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Because On-the-Go days rotate based on availability, you are responsible for booking when new dates are announced for your area.
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If I arrive at your scheduled appointment and you are unavailable or unable to be seen at your scheduled time, no refund or credit will be issued and the appointment will be marked as unavailable.
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If I need to cancel for any reason (emergency, illness, weather, etc.), you will be issued a full refund or given priority access to the next available On-the-Go date for your area.