Saturday, March 03, 2007

Look Good, Feel Better

When Laurianne found out she had cancer in 2005, she went to the American Cancer Society to find out more about wigs. This is just one of the services the American Cancer Society offers as a service to cancer patients. Fortunately, Laurianne took some pictures of her wig choices, so she is my model for this post.

The American Cancer Society administers a program, in partnership with the National Cosmetology Association, called Look Good, Feel Better which provides wigs to women who have lost their hair to cancer. There is also a program for Men called Look Good, Feel Better for Men as well as a program for teens, and the 2BMe website.

If you know someone who doesn't have web access, you can call the program at 1-800-395-LOOK or contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. You can also visit the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better web page.

By calling 1-800-395-LOOK (1-800-395-5665)you can also request self-help materials. And because you don't need to struggle with cancer alone, some areas offer group programs. Here is some information on the group programs, taken from the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better web page:

Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of 6 to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.

Laurianne was lucky. She didn't actually end up losing her hair. But, most people do experience hair loss with chemo. With programs like this, someone going through cancer can feel less self-conscious and better about themselves. And sometimes that is half the battle.

Labels: awareness, bald, cancer, chemotherapy, Laurianne, organizations

Posted by Lynda (Laurianne's Sister) :: 6:49 AM :: 0 people are more aware ---------------------------------------