Cancer Society Needs Volunteer Cosmetologists

WILTON — For women undergoing cancer treatment, the appearance-related side effects can be devastating. The American Cancer Society is helping improve the quality of life for cancer patients with a program that teaches beauty and self-image techniques to help cope with the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Currently a need exists for certified cosmetologists to help in Danbury, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Litchfield, and New Milford that would be willing to give an hour or two per month to help implement the program at local hospitals and cancer centers. Full training and materials will be provided.

Look Good…Feel Better is a free, community-based, national program of the American Cancer Society that uses the volunteer services of licensed cosmetologists to offer programs covering makeup, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss, such as wigs, turbans, and scarves.

Of the dozens of anticancer treatments, each with its own set of possible side effects, some of the effects of treatment include thinning or loss of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, skin tone discoloration, and changes in nail texture and growth rate.

Society Community Executive for Health Initiatives Sara Williams, says, “Look Good…Feel Better is as much about improving and maintaining self-image and confidence as it is about appearance. Patients enjoy the opportunity to spend time in a relaxed setting with others in the same situation. And the free makeup and consultation from professionals helps them look and feel better.”

Look Good…Feel Better is a partnership with the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association and is product neutral. While participants do receive a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop, volunteers and program participants do not promote any product line or manufacturer. All cosmetics used in the group program have been donated.

For more information contact Ms Williams at 800-ACS-2345 or via email at Sara.Williams@cancer.org.