“I feel much older,” shares Jane. “I feel I’ve aged tremendously.”
“I felt very weak,” Vanessa remembers. “It was horrible.”
“It was a shock to me when I was told I had cancer,” shares Vimala. “I had no symptoms.”
Jane, Vanessa and Vimala were all diagnosed with cancer and faced the side effects of treatment that took away their hair and changed their appearance. Though they may have felt alone initially, they were introduced to other women experiencing similar journeys to becoming cancer-free through a program called Look Good Feel Better. “It was nice to hear other people’s stories and hear how other people were coping,” adds Vimala.
The program, which has served more than 900-thousand cancer patients around the globe since 1989, was founded on the principle of helping patients facing the effects of cancer treatment feel more like themselves (before treatment) by giving them confidence, courage and self-esteem through personalized care from trained cosmetologists and aestheticians. Experienced beauty professionals donate their time and talents to transform patients during one-on-one consultations providing make-up and styling tips specifically designed for cancer patients.
“There are a lot of tears at the beginning,” shares Shirelle Besse, mission delivery program manager with the American Cancer Society Great West Division. “People don’t realize the self-esteem impact of cancer treatment. This program provides hope in a dark time, letting them know they are not alone.”
“I was introduced to this program while I was in aesthetician school and was immediately intrigued to bring a new kind of help that's effective in uplifting each person in a different way,” shares Crystal, who began volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in Albuquerque last November. “I have had family members who have had tremendous challenges with their health and this is a small, but very proactive way to bring a good change to their day and ultimately to their life.”
Volunteers, like Crystal, undergo screening interviews and specific four-hour training customized to providing the best experience for participants. “I love giving these women a place where, for two hours, we can come together, share and make them feel their best,” says Crystal.
The program is available to women who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, about to undergo cancer treatment or have recently completed cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other forms of treatment). Lovelace Women’s Hospital has partnered with the American Cancer Society to bring this program each month free of cost. Participants also receive a Look Good Feel Better cosmetic kit to take home.
“It is amazing to see them build each other up,” shares Shirelle. “By the end of a recent session, a patient came up to me and said, ‘I feel 100 percent better leaving here.’”
Registration is required. Only program participants may attend the workshop. A patient may attend more than one workshop; however, she should bring her Look Good Feel Better cosmetic kit with her to the additional workshop. A new kit will not be provided. Patients with a recurrence of cancer and who are receiving another round of treatment may attend another workshop and receive a new cosmetic kit.
4701 Montgomery Blvd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
Second Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m.
To Register:
Sandra Arellano, Lovelace Breast Care Navigator
505-727-6933
Sandra.Arellano@lovelace.com or
American Cancer Society
(800) 227-2345