I wish more women knew about this program, said Beth Erwin. “It’s a wonderful resource for women who are at a point in their lives when they feel less than beautiful. No woman should ever feel like they’re less than beautiful.”
The program Erwin is trying to educate women about is called “Look Good… Feel Better.” It’s a free program offered by the American Cancer Society that provides any woman undergoing treatment for any kind of cancer, with products and information to care for their skin and hair.
All the program participants are given free kits containing over $300 worth of the makeup, skincare and hair care products they’ll need.
Erwin is a cosmetologist who volunteers with the program but she was also a participant. In 2008 she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She lost all her hair including her eyebrows and said she didn’t like that her outward appearance matched the illness inside.
“All of a sudden everyone knows you’re sick,” she said. “But ‘Look Good….Feel Better’ was an amazing gift. There were other women there who were going through the same thing I was. It gives you a sense of independence. They taught me how to wear these fantastic wigs and how to do my makeup. I learned how to draw eyebrows. I was looking better than ever.”
Jasmine Camps with the American Cancer Society said “Look Good … Feel Better” is one of their most overlooked programs. She said any women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer is welcome to attend the sessions, as are their caregivers and loved ones.
Mary Worthington participated in a recent “Look Good…Feel Better” session. She is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first,” she said. “But when I got there I was really glad for the makeup tips and I felt better that other women were there who I could relate to.”
The classes take place in Floyd, Polk, Gordon, Carroll and Bartow counties each month. The Floyd County sessions take place May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 at the Harbin Cancer Center starting at 10 a.m.
To register, call 1-800-227-2345.
Erwin said volunteers are also needed for the program. Licensed cosmetologists who would like to volunteer will be trained. They won’t need to speak at the sessions, they’ll simply help the participants and offer tips and advice.
“It’s so important for me to be a part of this program as a volunteer,” Erwin said. “I thought this is a way for me to give back. It was free to me so I felt like I wanted to give back to a program that gave me so much. It lets these women know that there’s someone out there who cares.
For additional information about the program, or to register as a participant or a volunteer, visit online at www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
“After you have cancer it’s like you have to start over,” Erwin said. ‘This is a good start. When you look good you feel better, and best of all, it’s free.”
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