Cancer Patients Look Good, Feel Better

By: Melanie Bloom - Email

Updated: Mon 7:46 AM, Oct 15, 2012

Click here to learn more about the Look Good, Feel Better program.

Click here to watch an American Cancer Society video for Look Good, Feel Better patients.

The Look Good, Feel Better program helps cancer patients gain confidence through makeovers.

The battle against cancer can leave a woman feeling emotionally and physically drained.

Treatments can also have an impact on a woman's skin, nails and other areas of the body. They learn how to deal with those new issues by attending a one night class for the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better program.

It is completely free for the women who use it. The feeling they get when they walk away is priceless.

Beauticians volunteer their time and expertise to teach the women how to do their makeup, considerations they should make for their changing skin texture and for sensitivity to the sun. They also learn about ways to prevent infections.

"Usually women come to the class not knowing what to expect. I find that as they see themselves looking more bright and cheerful, and learning new things about what they can do in their appearance, I see so much laugther by the end of class and so much confidence and self esteem," said volunteer beautician Mary Schwab.

The women are given a bag filled with makeup that is worth around $200. They're also given instructions about the types of wigs that are available and about different hats that they can wear.

More than 800,000 women across the country have taken advantage of these classes. By improving their looks and feeling feminine, they're gaining confidence and feeling better about themselves.

When a women is battling cancer, any way that they can feel better will help in the battle.

The program began in 1989. It has been going on in Lincoln for 22 years.