As the head of several cosmetics companies over the past 30 years I had always supported and admired the work of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation. However, it wasn’t until the year I was honored at their annual gala, and was invited to experience a session of their work with cancer patients, that I realized just how incredible this organization is and the amazing impact they are having on the lives of these breast cancer victims. When I entered the room, I met 12 of the saddest women I’d ever experienced, each at a different stage of the disease and treatment. After two hours the LGFB Team had transformed the room into one of love, joy and hope. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about the woman who at the end of the session said, “Up until this day, I felt I was going through this all by myself. I now have a group of new friends to face this difficult time with...and I feel like we are going to win”. The Look Good Feel Better Foundation is without a doubt, a FIVE STAR non-profit!
I attended one of these workshops and it was deeply moving and heartwarming how the women were transformed with just a new lipstick or the simple suggestion of how to make their thinning eyebrows fuller. It was especially touching to see how they bonded with each other over the joy of someone getting a new wig that was similar to their own hair and style. This is a wonderful program for women who are in desperate need of the will and desire to be "looking good and feeling better".
Attending a Look Good Feel better workshop can be life changing. It doesn't matter what town you are in, your race, your income level, or your age. Everyone has something in common-all are facing cancer and trying their best to cope. Walking in with their heads held low, their body language gradually changes as the program proceeds, they meet fellow patients, their beauty pro teachers, and begin taking on their own transformation, step by step. They are all given free makeup kits (all donated by generous leading beauty industry companies) with the items used in the 12 steps outlined in the workshops. Gradually their eyes brighten, smiles return easily, they grow taller, begin to illuminate as confidence and a sense of community develops and they lift one another up and take delight and control back as they rediscover their sense of self once again. Cancer doesn't define them. Compassion, understanding, confidence and control help fuel hope and determination.
I was asked to fill in as a volunteer for one of the look good feel better programs. Having never done it before, i wasn't sure what to expect. However, It felt so good to be able to help a group of women battling cancer to feel better about themselves. These women have lost their hair, their eyebrows, and their confidence. Showing the women neat makeup tricks, helping with wigs, and sharing stories, helped take away their insecurities.Its a wonderful experience!
Review from Guidestar