Look Good…Feel Better is the only charity that cuts across
all cancers afflicting women
with
an exclusive focus on their social and emotional needs and well-being.
The
programme was started in USA
in 1989 and is promoted in 23 countries including South Africa where it operates
under the auspices of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
We
offer free two-hour skincare and make-up workshops to groups of patients
specially designed to assist women in active cancer treatment to address
their appearance related side effects of their treatment thus helping them
to regain the self-confidence they need to face the world and fight the
disease.
Patients
in need are identified and invited to a Look Good…Feel Better workshop by the
oncology staff. Members of the Foundation, (companies from the cosmetic
industry) donate appropriate products for the 12 step skincare and make up
regime. Trained volunteers guide the patients through the regime, focussing on
cancer related side effects such as dry, very sensitive skin; hair, eyebrow,
eye lash loss; pigmentation marks, discolouration of nails. They educate the
patients on the importance of skin care crucial, especially when undergoing
treatment when skin is delicate and infection is prevalent and dangerous.
Extensive
research internationally indicates the significant benefit of the look good
feel better factor in the holistic treatment of a cancer patient. Dr Carol-Ann
Benn, Specialist Surgeon, Johannesburg, said, ”It is just as important for my cancer patients to attend a Look Good…Feel Better workshop as it is
for them to have chemotherapy or radiation.”
Cancer
patients tend to isolate themselves hence the significant value of the workshops
at which they are able to identify and socialise with others going through
similar difficulties. This in turn empowers and encourages them.
To
quote Clare Manicom, Oncology Social Worker, Constantiaberg Oncology Unit C T,
‘What
strikes me about LGFB sessions is how the ladies are boosted & excited, AND
their families are given a lift as well! Loved ones are surprised and
delighted to see their special lady looking brighter, and prettier. For
many families, the LGFB workshop provides a welcome break in routine for both
the patient & the carer.
We cannot underestimate the benefits these sessions have for people who
may be feeling unattractive & 'excluded' from so much by their cancer &
its treatment. There's a special magic that is woven during a LGFB session -
starting with quiet excitement & apprehension, ending with huge smiles
& laughter by the end of the session.
Thanks
to all involved in this worthwhile project - you are touching more lives
than simply the ladies in your workshops!!’
Currently
workshops are held in 13 oncology units, hospitals and interim homes in
Johannesburg, seven in Pretoria, eight in Cape Town; one in East London, two in
Port Elizabeth, three in Durban and three in Bloemfontein. There is great
demand by Oncology Units for the programme to be available more extensively
throughout South Africa.
We
invite support in the form of sponsorship and volunteers, women with and
without a beauty background.
For
further information contact:
Look
Good…Feel Better
011
795 3927
info@lgfb.co.za
www.lgfb.co.za
This information has been contributed by
Margaret Hewson
Programme Director - Look Good Feel Better
www.lgfb.co.za
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