Look Good Feel Better provides fun, new friendships

The care and treatment of cancer patients has made significant leaps forward through the years, but one angle that is reaping personal rewards is the Look Good, Feel Better program of the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life

Relay For Life of Cullman County will be Friday, May 4, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at midnight, at the Cullman County Fairgrounds, 1501 Sportsman Lake Road NW, Cullman (relayforlife.org/cullmanal).

The Salon and Spa/Cosmetology Department at Wallace State Community College is sanctioned by the American Cancer Society to help cancer patients enjoy the benefits of professional beauty care in a certified, fun environment.

“I believe we’re the only non-medical site for this program that’s free to cancer patients. They’re able to come in and share with other people and get makeup and advice and tips,” said Sabrina Flanigan, department head of the Salon and Spa program.

Flanigan and instructor Amy Moore work with patients during two events per year — spring and fall.

“You have to be approved by the American Cancer Society. They have a representative who inspects the facilities to make sure it’s a safe and sanitary environment and you’re certified for instruction,” Flanigan said. “For the patients it’s an amazing experience. There’s a lot of emotions, from laughter to crying. It’s been very rewarding for us to be a part of it.”

The chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer, as well as the disease itself, contribute to changes in the patient’s skin.

“We create an intimate atmosphere for them to meet and share their experiences with each other. Our part is to share our experience to help with the makeup and how to use it once someone has lost their eyebrows and the other changes that occur,” Flanigan said. “Just from what we learn, the people who join in the program realize others are going through the same experiences and they can talk about it, and that’s been very important.”

Flanigan said just the fun aspects of everyone gathered for the experience of using the American Cancer Society-approved cosmetics builds new relationships. Many of the patients stay connected through social media and new friendships after going through Look Good Feel Better.

“Makeup can help minimize the affects on the skin from cancer treatment just by adapting the makeup to those changes,” Flanigan said. “You’re also not in medical environment when you’re here, and I think that creates a place where everyone can enjoy themselves.”