Category: EIN Presswire

Exclusive collaboration raises awareness and funds for living donation through a bold new shoe design inspired by transplant

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, UNITED STATES, March 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The American Society of Transplantation (AST) is proud to announce a unique partnership with renowned designer John Fluevog Shoes to celebrate the life-saving impact of living kidney donation and raise awareness about the critical need for donors.

The collaboration introduces a limited-edition shoe collection inspired by Fluevog founder John Fluevog’s own kidney transplant journey. In 2025, Fluevog received a kidney transplant from a living donor. In gratitude, he designed two special shoes — The Patty and The Alan — named after his donor and her husband. The collection honors the generosity, courage, and lasting ripple effect of living donation.

Fifteen percent of all U.S. shoe sales will directly support the mission of the American Society of Transplantation, while fifteen percent of Canadian shoe sales will support the Kidney Foundation of Canada. In addition, all profits from the collection’s Kidney Pin, will be donated to the AST Living Donor Circle of Excellence and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

“This partnership is a powerful reminder that living donation changes lives — not just for recipients, but for families, communities, and the entire transplant field,” said Brooke Iarkowski, Transplant Community Program Manager at the American Society of Transplantation and a living kidney donor. “As a living donor myself, I know how meaningful it is to see the generosity of donors recognized in such a visible and creative way. These shoes are more than a design — they’re a conversation starter that can inspire more people to learn about living donation and the incredible impact it has.”

The limited-edition designs feature three distinctive straps representing the kidney’s ureter, renal artery, and renal vein — an idea that came to Fluevog shortly after his transplant.

“These kidney shoes are my response to my thankfulness and my way of giving back,” said John Fluevog. “It’s about bringing awareness to the shortage of and need for kidney donors.”

Fluevog recalls the moment that sparked the design:

“I was inspired to make the shoes two days after my operation when a doctor came to my hospital bed and gave me a ‘doctor bad’ shoe drawing and said they thought I should make them. They pointed to three straps, one each for the Ureter, Renal Artery, and Renal Vein of the kidney. She was most insistent on the blood red colour.

Even in my weakened state, I had no trouble realizing that this was a good idea. I passed it on to the team and these shoes are what came out. The women’s style first, and then the men’s, both with three straps and in a great blood red. For a ‘non-sexy’ kidney shoe, I think they are very sexy indeed.”

In addition to the Patty and Alan shoe styles, the collection includes a Kidney Pin, a striking enamel accessory designed to complete the look while supporting transplant awareness.

The partnership also highlights AST’s Living Donor Circle of Excellence, which recognizes organizations that support employees who choose to become living donors.

This collaboration celebrates:
• The courage of living kidney donors
• The resilience of transplant recipients
• The clinicians and researchers advancing transplantation
• The AST’s mission to improve lives through transplantation

Together, the AST and John Fluevog Shoes hope the collection will spark conversations, inspire support for living donation, and highlight the life-saving power of transplantation.

About the American Society of Transplantation
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) is the largest transplant organization in North America and is recognized as the premier society for transplant professionals.

Founded in 1982, the AST currently has over 5,000 members dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation and improving patient care by promoting research, education, advocacy, organ donation, and service to the community through a lens of equity and inclusion.

The AST is ‌an organizing force that advances the field through research, workforce development, knowledge sharing, and advocacy with the aim of continuously improving patient outcomes.

About John Fluevog Shoes
Founded in 1970, John Fluevog Shoes is an independent footwear brand known worldwide for its distinctive designs, craftsmanship, and creative storytelling.

Shauna O’Brien
American Society of Transplantation
sobrien@myast.org
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Bluesky
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

MALVERN, PA, UNITED STATES, March 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The self-assurance of feeling great in your skin isn’t found in a shopping spree. Rather, it’s built in the gym, tracked at the table, and carried into every part of life. Joe Staszak, the founder of Epic Swagger, is flipping the script on personal transformation, showing clients that the best outfit they’ll ever own is a body shaped by consistency, discipline, and a rock-solid mindset.

“People spend fortunes on designer outfits, but nothing feels better than wearing a body you’re proud of every single day,” says Staszak. “When you walk out the door with confidence and vitality, even your old clothes look brand new.”

A Program Rooted in Simplicity, Not Hype

Epic Swagger isn’t about quick fixes, fitness fads, or grueling routines that burn people out. Staszak’s approach cuts through the noise with a simple, mathematically certain system built on three key elements: daily steps, consistent nutrition tracking, and resistance training. No two-hour daily gym marathons. No swearing off your favorite foods for life. No believing fitness is reserved for the young or time-rich.

“It’s simple, but not always easy,” Staszak explains. “You don’t need orange theory, endless boot camps, or an army of supplements. We get you moving in ways that fit your life, dial in your food without deprivation, and apply a dose of strength training with just four sessions a week, forty-five minutes each.”

Nutrition Without Nonsense

At Epic Swagger, food isn’t the enemy. Instead of demonizing carbs or idolizing protein powders, Staszak teaches a balanced, flexible approach. Clients receive tailored protein, carb, and fat guidelines, with an emphasis on tracking. The program utilizes tools like Fitness Pal for quick, practical logging, so users gain awareness without obsession.

“Most people are shocked at how many extra calories sneak in if they rely on guesswork,” says Staszak. “Treat your body like a business. If you don’t know where the calories are coming in and going out, you’re leaving results to chance.”

And yes, protein shakes and bars make the cut for convenience, but whole food sources are always welcome. The real secret? Consistency over perfection.

Swagger Defined: Confidence Rooted in Alignment

For Staszak, the results go far beyond the mirror. The Epic Swagger philosophy is all about assurance that comes from self-belief and alignment with one’s actions.

“Swagger is not arrogance. It’s walking through life knowing you keep promises to yourself,” Staszak reflects. “Our program’s biggest rewards are excellence and confidence, not just physical changes. Discipline in the gym seeps into your work, your relationships, and your daily interactions.”

From high-powered executives to everyday parents, clients find that gaining control over their health unlocks new levels of confidence. “The person who shows up feeling like a million bucks regardless of what they’re wearing commands a different kind of attention and opportunity,” he adds.

Mindset Over Motivation: The Missing Link

Staszak’s straightforward system has produced lasting change for men and women alike, but he emphasizes that desire trumps discipline every time. “How bad do you want it? If you’re just dabbling, you’ll keep finding excuses. If you really want it, you’ll find the time, no matter how busy you are.”

He also tackles the psychological side of the journey, helping clients course-correct after setbacks without shame. The Epic Swagger community is about accountability, not judgment. “Everyone has an off day. What matters is getting back on track and not letting a mistake become a new habit.”

Staszak is candid about over training and over complicating fitness, which is a common trap for high-achievers. His mantra: minimal effective dose. “You don’t need to crawl out of the gym. You just need the right mixture of effort and recovery,” he says.

And the benefits? “Sex is better. Relationships improve. People start treating you differently, not just because of aesthetics, but because you’re carrying yourself differently. Attractiveness is as much about how you speak and move as how you look.”

A Zero-Risk Guarantee

Epic Swagger isn’t for everyone; entry is by interview only. Staszak works with clients ready to commit, not just curious. And for those who follow the program as designed? Success is guaranteed or they get their money back.

“It’s numbers, not luck. If someone puts in the work, results follow, even if their starting point means it takes longer than 90 days,” Staszak affirms.

Looking Ahead

Despite overcoming significant health challenges (including a recent spinal cord injury), Staszak is more dedicated than ever to showing others what’s possible, regardless of setbacks. “If I can rehab myself back to health, I can help everyone discover their edge. There’s always a way forward.”

About Epic Swagger

Epic Swagger empowers clients to unlock elite results with a refreshingly clear approach centered around three pillars: attractiveness, excellence, and confidence. Rather than chasing fads or sacrificing endlessly, clients master proven nutrition and fitness strategies that start with a mindset-first philosophy. Forget the fleeting excitement of new clothes; instead imagine the lasting transformation of a new body, one that naturally elevates your swagger and outshines any wardrobe update.

Close Up Radio recently featured Joseph A. Staszak, founder of Epic Swagger, in a two-part interview with Jim Masters on Monday March 2nd at 2pm EST, and with Doug Llewelyn on Monday April 6th at 2pm EST

Listen to the Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-close-up-radio-spotlights-fitness-expert-joseph/id1785721253?i=1000752876262
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-close-up-radio-242020413/episode/part-1-close-up-radio-spotlights-325399807/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ksbXOOrZ7wHD9U54dGk7V

For more information about Joseph A. Staszak, please visit https://epicswagger.com/

Lou Ceparano
Close Up Television & Radio
+1 631-850-3314
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

CITEM reports PHP8M in sales for the first 5 weeks

MANILA, METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls took a functional step forward on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as the CITEM Board of Governors transitioned from the traditional boardroom to the newly minted Gallery 01 for its Regular Board Meeting. The session, presided over by Executive Director and Board Vice-Chairperson Leah Pulido Ocampo, served as a practical demonstration of the venue’s versatility. The proceedings saw active participation from GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso alongside Chief of Staff Atty. Khristine Jane “Keij” Ejercito, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Philip C. Young, OSAPEIA Director Arlexandria Louise F. Carino, DILG Assistant Director Maria Angela Monica Salud B. Mamuyac, and Department of Tourism Representative Atty. Bernadette Basa.

From Policy to Practice: The Expansion of Likhang Filipino

By staging official proceedings within the gallery, the Board moved beyond administrative updates to experience the operational potential of the site firsthand. This shift signals a broader strategy to evolve CITEM’s home base into a dynamic, revenue-generating ecosystem for the Philippine creative sectors. This move is already yielding significant results. In just 5 weeks since its launch, Likhang Filipino generated over Php 8 million in revenue showcasing the strong market reception and commercial viability of a permanent showroom for Filipino export products.

Among the important updates discussed, the Board focused on refining the Exhibition Halls to serve as a permanent, world-class showcase for local MSMEs and heritage-driven brands. This operational scaling is intended to provide a stable home for Filipino craftsmanship while testing the gallery’s infrastructure to ensure it meets the rigorous standards required for international trade briefings and high-level government functions.

Strengthening the Philippine Brand through Functional Excellence

The synergy between the Board and CITEM’s leadership ensures that high-level policy is grounded in the functional realities of trade promotion. This alignment is a critical component of the agency’s plan to sharpen the “Philippine Brand” by utilizing modern facilities that reflect the country’s economic and creative ambitions. As part of this initiative to maximize the facility’s footprint, Gallery 01 is now officially open for external bookings. The space is designed to host art exhibitions, corporate activations, and official functions, providing a professional backdrop deeply rooted in Filipino heritage.

Public Access and Venue Bookings

Organizations interested in utilizing the gallery for their own engagements may coordinate with the Likhang Filipino Events Management Team via email at info@citem.com.ph or through the CITEM trunkline at +63 2 8831 2201. Detailed specifications regarding venue capacity and amenities are also available on the CITEM Official Website.

Elmer Harold Grande
CITEM
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Family-owned massage center’s tiered career model and 300+ hours of annual training produce therapist tenure rates that far exceed national averages

AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — While the U.S. massage therapy industry contends with an average career lifespan of just five to eight years per therapist and annual turnover exceeding 13% in corporate spa settings, Oak Haven Massage has built a workforce where more than half of its licensed therapists have remained with the company for five years or longer.

The Austin- and San Antonio-based therapeutic massage center now employs over 250 people across six locations, including more than 200 full-time licensed massage therapists. The company reports that its therapists average eight years of professional experience, with the majority having been on staff for at least two years. That retention stands in sharp contrast to an industry where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 24,700 annual job openings driven largely by workers leaving the profession entirely due to physical burnout and career fatigue.

Oak Haven attributes much of its stability to a structured advancement system that gives therapists a clear professional trajectory. The company operates a four-tier model, ranging from Tier 1 (skilled therapists with flexible availability) through Tier 4 (elite therapists with high demand and exclusive care), with each level tied to increased hourly compensation, specialized training, and client request rates. Hourly pay ranges from $30 to $54 per hour plus tips, with top-tier therapists earning over $75,000 annually. All therapists are classified as W-2 employees with access to full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits along with paid vacation time.

“When a therapist walks through our doors, they’re not filling a chair, they’re beginning a career they can sustain for decades,” said Allison Moreno, CEO of Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX. “We invest over 300 hours of training per location each year because we’ve seen firsthand that when therapists grow, clients get measurably better outcomes. That’s the cycle that keeps both our team and our clients coming back.”

Central to the retention model is The Oak Haven Method, a proprietary continuing education curriculum developed over nearly 20 years by the company’s in-house instructors. The program covers clinical mastery, advanced deep tissue techniques, neuromuscular therapy, anatomy, communication, and condition-specific treatment protocols for issues including low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, and rotator cuff injuries. Classes are offered free to all Oak Haven Massage employees, and the company reimburses state licensing renewal fees, eliminating two of the most common financial barriers that push therapists out of the profession.

The approach has roots in the company’s founding. Dr. Steven Shuel, a chiropractor with over 32 years in the massage and bodywork field, opened Oak Haven Massage in San Antonio in November 2005 with the specific goal of delivering medically informed therapeutic bodywork rather than traditional spa-style relaxation services. That clinical foundation required therapists trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, making ongoing education a business necessity rather than a perk.

Now led by the second and third generations of the Shuel family, CEO Allison Moreno, her sister Becca, and Dr. Shuel’s granddaughter Rylee, the company has grown from a single San Antonio location to six studios across two metro areas, including a 6,350-square-foot, 25-treatment-room location on South First Street in Austin that opened in December 2025. The company has completed more than 1.7 million massage sessions since its founding and currently handles approximately 550 appointments daily.

Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed consistently cite the training program, schedule flexibility, and advancement opportunities as distinguishing factors. One seven-year employee noted that Oak Haven provides training that would have cost thousands of dollars elsewhere in a career spanning nearly three decades.

For therapists interested in learning more about career opportunities at Oak Haven Massage, information is available at oakhavencareers.com.

About Oak Haven Massage
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel, Oak Haven Massage is a family-owned therapeutic massage center operating six locations across Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The company employs more than 250 people, including over 200 licensed massage therapists, and specializes in medically informed bodywork including deep tissue, therapeutic, sports, lymphatic drainage, ashiatsu, and reflexology massage. Oak Haven Massage is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at all locations. For more information, visit oakhavenmassage.com.

###
Media Contact
Oak Haven Massage
Address: 900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 363-5720
Website: https://oakhavenmassage.com

Dr. Steven Shuel
Oak Haven Massage
+1 (512) 363-5720
oakhavenmassageaustin@gmail.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.