Hope Is Beautiful

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin 

Hope is beautiful.  Courage is beautiful.  Strength is beautiful.  And so is every woman fighting cancer.  And while their determination to fight and their will to live embodies true beauty, helping cancer patients look good and feel better helps raise the spirit to face the new challenges brought about each day. And the American Cancer Society’s Look Good … Feel Better® program is helping women do just that.   
The Look Good…Feel Better (LGFB) is a free, non medical, brand neutral, national public service program created to help those with cancer look good, improve their self esteem and manage their cancer treatments and recoveries with greater assurance.  
The LGFB originally began with one patient.  In 1987, a physician had inquired how to get a makeover for a cancer patient undergoing treatment.  The woman was experiencing appearance related side effects, which made her become self-conscious and depressed. This was a concern for the doctor, and he began making calls and was able to provide his patient with a makeup artist.  The makeover not only transformed her look but also her outlook as well.  The Personal Care Products Council recognized this opportunity and they immediately offered funding and cosmetics.  The American Cancer Society joined in the effort, providing a vital national network to help assist women seeking the information.  
The LGFB was formed and group programs are offered nationwide. Trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with the changes in skin and hair loss by using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry.  Free kits are provided at the group sessions.  Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories.
“The LGFB program is not just about learning how to improve your physical appearance through make-up instruction. It is an opportunity to network with other cancer patients and see that they are not alone. The class becomes sort of another ‘family’ of supporters who truly understand each other,” states Heather Warrick, Manager of Health Programs at the American Cancer Society, SCV Unit. “When I attended LGFB 15 years ago, I remember leaving the class with a bigger sense of optimism and happiness as well as looking great! ??”
The American Cancer Society, SCV Unit decided to give one young lady a makeover to highlight some of the benefits of the LGFB program.  
Twenty five year old Emily Hobson was chosen to be part of this makeover.  Last year, Emily was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma.  Emily began her chemotherapy treatment and continues to battle the disease today.  
Emily was given a LGFB kit to begin the makeover. Founder and Artistic Director of Senna Cosmetics, Eugenia Weston, kindly donated her time to guide Emily with the makeup application.  Eugenia went through the 12-step skin care/make up lesson, giving Emily helpful hints to look good and feel better.   To complete the makeover, Rochelle Scott, President of Godiva’s Secret wigs, hairpieces hats and more, provided many wigs for Emily to try out.  Emily went from blond to red to brunette, from long to short, wavy to straight in a matter of minutes.  And while Emily was beautiful before her makeover, one thing was certain; her smile was much bigger after.  
To learn more about the Look Good…Feel Better program, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call the American Cancer Society, SCV Unit at 661-298-0886.

www.emilyscancerfund.org