On April 25 a group of local women gathered to share beauty secrets and a good dose of encouragement.
The women are all undergoing chemo-therapy or radiation treatment as they battle cancer. They got together for a program called Look Good Feel Better, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.Melissa Kidd is the local facilitator for LGFB. Kidd has worked as a licensed cosmetologist for 14 years. Through the LGFB program, Kidd teaches women professional hair-, skin- and nail-care techniques along with specialized care and beauty tips to help them as they face the rigors of chemo or radiation treatment.
Though the treatments can help fight cancer, they also can take a toll on a patient's body. Kidd said she teaches the women some ways to continue to care for their bodies.
"It's important for them to wear sunscreen and moisturizer because chemo and radiation dry out the skin really bad," Kidd said.
The training also includes hands-on instruction on makeup, nail care and suggestions for using wigs, turbans and scarves.
The LGFB program is free, and each participant is provided with new cosmetics for their personal makeover.
Kidd has been involved with LGFB for about six years. She said she was interested in helping because her mother is a breast cancer survivor.
"It means a lot to me to help other ladies who are fighting cancer," she said.
She said LGFB benefits women at a crucial time in their lives.
"You're already going through a crummy time with being told you have cancer and going through chemo and radiation treatments," she said. "Taking time for beauty makes you feel a little better about yourself. You don't feel as depressed."
Kidd said there is often a connection between how people look and how they feel.
"If you look good and have a full face on, you're going to feel better," she said. "It's kind of psychological."
Kidd said LGFB participants also have an encouraging effect on each other.
"It's kind of like a bonding experience for all the ladies because when they come together, they say it's an encouraging time. They compliment each other," she said. "It's a lot of fun for them to be kind of pampered and prissed up a little bit after they've been going to the chemo or radiation and don't feel like doing anything."
Kidd said another LGFB gathering is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Center of Hope, Warsaw. To sign up or for more information, call ACS at 574-257-9789.
