Look Good Feel Better

(NC)—Look Good Feel Better is Canada's only charitable cancer program dedicated to empowering women to manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment. Created from the belief that if woman with cancer can be helped to look good, chances are she'll feel better, her spirits will be lifted and she'll be empowered to face her illness with greater confidence.

In 1992, in an effort to give back to the community that supports their industry, the member companies of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA) pledged their commitment to women with cancer. The CCTFA Foundation was established to deliver the Look Good Feel Better program as the cosmetic industry's charity of choice.
"At the heart of Look Good Feel Better is the free 2-hour hands-on workshop offered at over 100 cancer care facilities and hospitals across the country," notes Sherry Abbott, Look Good Feel Better's Executive Director and a cancer survivor herself. The workshop brings together women with cancer in a safe and supportive environment where they benefit from shared experiences and learn how to look and feel more like themselves again. Each woman receives her own kit of cosmetic and personal care products that have been donated by the member companies of the CCTFA.

The workshops are led by 1,800 trained industry experts who understand the changes that chemotherapy and radiation can have on a woman's appearance.

As Abbott explains, "The volunteers guide the participants through the Signature Steps of the Look Good Feel Better program. Cosmetic hygiene addresses how to care for a weakened immune system and we discuss what to do for skin and nails that may have changed due to treatment."

Simple cosmetic techniques help to even out skin tone, create the look of lost eyebrows, define eyes and brighten the overall look with a touch of lip colour. A special session on hair alternatives provides tips on how to choose, style and care for a wig, and offers suggestions on working with hats and scarves.

Since its inception, it is estimated that Look Good Feel Better has helped hundreds of thousands of women across the country through the workshop, annual magazine, comprehensive website and 1-800 information line.

"Look Good Feel Better can help women feel empowered, confident and able to reclaim their sense of self," says Abbott. "They will also learn that they are not alone on their cancer journey."

For more information, including workshop locations, visit lookgoodfeelbetter.ca or call 1-800-914-5665.

Source: www.newscanada.com