Makeover program patients 'Look Good...Feel Better'
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

It's an undeniable fact: When you look good, you feel good.

That is the philosophy behind the American Cancer Society's "Look Good...Feel Better" program.

A partnership between the ACS, Cosmetic Toiletries Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association, the program provides female patients with makeup sessions to help them offset appearance related changes from cancer treatment.

At the beginning of the program, which is held in every state and in Puerto Rico, patients are presented with a kit comprising donated makeup from various manufacturers.

"It's product-neutral," said Nancy Hanavan, ACS senior director of cancer control and patient and family services. "All of the big companies donate to the program."

Attendees are then shown a demonstration of makeup techniques and are given time to apply their own makeup.

A brief discussion of nail care and wigs, scarves and other head coverings rounds out the evening.

The programs are held in various health care professional venues, including Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, Healthy Living Partnership/Community Partners in Medina, Buffalo Medical Group in Williamsville and Westwood Village in West Seneca.

The program itself is structured and scripted so as not to promote any one makeup line or business.

Volunteers who lead the program are all licensed cosmetologists, which limits the number of volunteers and, therefore, sessions.

""We'll be adding programs as we get more volunteers," Hanavan said.

According to Hanavan, many cosmetologists enjoy having the LGFB training, but they have trouble committing to the minimum number of programs per year.

Even though the number of programs is less than she would like, Hanavan noted that the reaction to the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

"They (the patients) see other women going through the same thing," she said. "Before long, they're sharing tips and talking and bonding."

While wigs and head coverings are not allowed to be sold at the LGFB programs, Mary's Wig Room, 101 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, provides free wigs to women with cancer.

"The volunteers at the wig room are all cancer survivors," Hanavan said.

To receive a wig, women must make an appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday. For more information, call 689-6981.

The program can only be attended once by patients, but it is the hope of the volunteers and creators of the program that attendees will walk away with skills that they can use for a lifetime.

Kathy Hook, a resident of Amherst and recent attendee to a LGFB program at Roswell, reflected on the effect the program has had on her.

"I learned quite a bit here, like how to take better care of my skin," she said. "When you're diagnosed with cancer, all this stuff happens to you and you don't know what to expect. It's frightening."

Hook was diagnosed with small cell limited lung cancer in May 2007.

"It was also extremely supportive," she added. "It helps to be with people who are going through the same thing."

For more information on the program or any other programs offered by the ACS, call 1-800-227-2345.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com