Look Good…Feel Better is pleased to announce its Women of Hope is Beautiful honorees.  In April, the program began the campaign which encouraged women to share their story of coping with cancer here on this blog as a way to inspire others.  Look Good…Feel Better received more than 150 inspiring and heart-warming entries from women across the country, which you can read below. 

In August, Look Good…Feel Better selected five women – the Women of Hope is Beautiful – whose stories offered the most compelling examples of courage, confidence, control, community and caring, the core values of the program. 

The Women of Hope is Beautiful hail from all across the country – from Washington state to South Carolina to New York.  They are mothers and wives, sisters and daughters, and while they each fought an individual battle against cancer, they have all benefitted from attending a Look Good…Feel Better session, and are connected by their positive outlook and remarkable determination in the face of this disease.  The honorees include:

Lesley Bonner, who began her battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this year, the same week as her 39^th birthday.  She attended a Look Good…Feel Better session to learn how to deal with her new wigs and head scarves, and makeup application tips.  “The best part of the workshop was getting to meet so many beautiful women, all dealing with many of the same issues as myself.  I am not alone; I am not different,” she says.  Read Lesley’s submission here.

Andrea Brown Buford, 52, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and attended a Look Good…Feel Better session.  “When I did lose my hair, that first day as I prepared to step out into the world among people that knew me with a head full of hair, I took the time to apply what I had learned on my face, but also, that which I had experienced was in my heart,” says Andrea.  “I stepped out knowing I walked in pure radiance.”  Read Andrea’s submission here.

Vicki Everhart, 59, a typically strong and independent woman whose breast cancer diagnosis left her frightened and reeling with uncertainty.  Vicki calls her Look Good…Feel Better session a “turning point” in her cancer treatment.  As she says, “I was so tired and drained from treatments and really only wanted to curl up in a corner…When I left, I felt like I had gotten a new lease on life, and felt pretty for the first time in months!” Read Vicki’s submission here.

Aarika Johnson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year on her 25^th birthday.  As a cosmetology student, Aarika wondered who would want to get their hair cut by the “bald chic.”  The Look Good…Feel Better workshop was a turning point: “Someday, I was going to have a woman in my chair getting her last haircut before her treatment begins, and maybe I will be of some comfort to her that she will get through the obstacles ahead.”  Read Aarika’s submission here.

Michele VonGerichten, 46, who is a breast cancer survivor.  Michele made the decision to get chemotherapy as an aggressive, preventive measure and immediately made the decision to enroll in a Look Good…Feel Better session.   She attended the class excited that it was “something just for us women to help build our self esteem.”   She says that she felt a kindred spirit with the other women in the session, and “returned home feeling like I could stay beautiful, and that I was not alone!”  Read Michele’s submission here.

The five Women of Hope is Beautiful will be honored at the DreamBall, an annual black-tie charity gala at the Waldorf=Astoria, held on September 24, that supports the Look Good…Feel Better program and celebrates its 20^th anniversary.  They will be introduced on stage at the DreamBall by Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of the Today show and a breast cancer survivor.  Kotb is being honored as this year’s “DreamGirl” for her courage in openly sharing her cancer treatment and recovery with millions of viewers on the Today show.  The women will also receive complementary makeovers with hairstyling by Anthony Barrow, Avon Global Stylist and Advisor, and makeup application by Ida Abruzzi.

My lowest time to my bravest time because I looked good and Felt Better by Peggy Dado

Look Good…Feel Better is an amazing program. I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer in April 2007. This form of breast cancer is the most aggressive and has the lowest survivor rates than other breast cancers.  In January of 2008, I had already been through 12 chemotherapy treatments, had a mastectomy and was going through two times a day radiation. I spent 8-12 hours a day at the treatment center in Chicago.  It was too cold to go out walking and I was weak. Looking back now I was depressed. During this time I made and appointment with “Look Good…Feel Better”.  I was taught on how to put on the makeup and take care of my skin during this stressful time. I was amazed at much better I felt just by putting on makeup.  My spirits were elevated much more than I would have thought before going through the class. In fact the first week in February I went to a retirement party and did not cover my head for the first time since June 07.  The make-up made the difference. Thanks “Look good…Feel Better”, for boosting my hope, courage and determination to get through the most difficult part of my life.

Out of My Bad I Found Good by Angela Marie Giolitto

When I first heard I had breast cancer, I felt as if I was blown to pieces.  I was only 29, unmarried, and having to have a mastectomy.  Although I was left disfigured, I was elated knowing I was cancer free.

A survivor, that’s what I was, until four years later.  I found another lump on the same side as my mastectomy.  I was told that the odds for a recurrence were very unlikely.   This time the tumor was in my chest wall.   When the doctors went into remove it, they were unable to get clear margins.  It was now necessary to receive six months of chemotherapy,  thirty-three treatments of radiation, and herceptin treatments for an entire year. 

It was bad enough losing a breast but now my hair.  My hair was my signature.  It was long straight black and to the middle of my back.  The thought of losing it was devastating, but a reality I had to face.  No hair, no eyelashes, and no eyebrows, I had become just a face.  A face that could no longer look in the mirror without feeling so empty inside. 

I was so fortunate to go to a Look Good…Feel Better luncheon.  I learned a variety of make-up techniques.  I was picked to be the model for the wigs, scarves, and hats.  It was such an uplifting and rewarding experience.  The Look Good…Feel Better luncheon really made an impact on my life.  Once my wig was removed in front of other cancer patients, I felt safe being bald.  The true meaning of Look Good…Feel Better was coming out at that moment and made me feel special and beautiful.

Sharing experiences with other cancer patients was helpful in getting different tips and advice.  I left that day feeling stronger and complete.  I knew I was going to get through this cancer leaving with a positive attitude because of the Look Good…Feel Better opportunity!  I was able to continue on my journey having confidence and control on how I felt.

For all that has happened that is bad there is good.  I was in a video for the benefits of reflexology for cancer patients, who have had trouble with neuropathy, in their hands and feet during chemotherapy.  I also was interviewed for a local magazine about breast cancer.  From the Look Good…Feel Better experience and the confidence I received I was able to remove my wig for a photo for the magazine.  A local beautician, who also is a breast cancer survivor, chose me to model wigs for cancer patients along with my story for her website. 

I want other cancer patients to feel the strength and encouragement during their journey with cancer.  I encourage all cancer patients to participate in the Look Good…Feel Better program because everyone deserves the rewards and benefits.

Just put on a little lipstick…by Laura Hall

My mother was a firm believer in lipstick. She felt lipstick could pull you through most anything difficult in life you were facing. As young girls, we used to make fun of her for this. If we failed a test, had a huge zit, or a broken heart  her answer was just put on a little lipstick, and no one will notice. I remembered her own battle with cancer and how she always tried to look her best, and it lifted her spirits.

Just a little lipstick became my mantra last spring when I myself heard those three words you have cancer. The Look Good Feel Better program is something my Mom would have loved. I signed up for a class the week after my first chemo treatment. I wanted to be prepared for skin changes and hair loss that would be happening to me very soon. I was amazed at the fabulous make up I received. All the big cosmetic firms were represented in my kit. What a blessing that was! Mary, not only taught me shading and penciling techniques, she gave me tips on tying scarves and picking out other types of head coverings. She encouraged us to go find some fun wigs and hairpieces and try them on. Mary reminded me to keep a positive attitude and make the most of every day.

This advice came in very handy one rainy Monday morning. I am a trainer and I had to face a roomful of new hires. I was already wearing hats because the hair on my head was gone, but I still had eyelashes and eyebrows, thin ones but still there. I washed my face that morning and all the remaining hair washed right off on my washcloth. After a short meltdown, I grabbed my LGFB kit and penciled in my brows and lashes, and of course added my lipstick, and headed in to work. I could hear my Mothers advice mixed with Mary’s attitude, lipstick and shading will get you through, and it did. I am thankful to say, today I am cancer free. I will continue to encourage other cancer patients to attend a Look Good Feel Better session. The program truly lives up to the name. I signed up to be a volunteer with the program. I want to give back to the program that helped me feel better during those difficult months.

Mirrored Goodness by Shirley Vincent

You’re still beautiful on the inside.

Don’t worry!  Your hair will grow back.

Comforting words, but as I gazed into the mirror, ET gazed back.  With errant wisps of hair and a solitary eyelash on each eyelid, I felt more hideous than human.

But I’m stubborn.  I wasn’t going to wallow for 6 months during my treatments.  My Project Pride and Perseverance had to begin now.  I walked nearly every day and dragged myself to exercise classes.  Don’t whine!  Win became my mantra.  When I learned of Look Good… Feel Better, I was reluctant.  I didn’t even want my husband to see my bald head.  How would I feel about strangers?  But did I mention I’m stubborn?  The room was packed – bald, scarved, wigged women from thirty to seventy  all sharing a common bond and common desire:  to be stronger and more comfortable with ourselves in this unasked-for time in our lives.  Questions, counsel, laughter as each helped the other.  Oh, that color lipstick looks good on you or Let me help you with the eyeliner. No longer strangers, we were a sisterhood, and we emerged smiling and more confident.   I realized I could help other sisters.  Edith Wharton said There are two ways of spreading light:  to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.  Now I could be a candle for others and spread the news of Look Good…Feel Better.  When I learned of another’s struggle with the effects of chemotherapy, I called and told her to find your program in her area, so that she too could be a mirror of light.

Now, as I gaze into the mirror, I see full eyelashes and curly fuzz all over my head.    I am radiant because I am blessed, and I am beautiful inside and out

 Um, excuse me, could you repeat that please? by Aarika Johnson

 My name is Aarika Johnson, and this is the story of my crazy year.  After changing my major in college several times, I came home to my husband, Casey, and said, “hey honey, now that you spent $20,000 on my education, guess what?  I want go to beauty school!”  Doing hair was exciting for me, but mostly I wanted to help women feel good about themselves.  I didn’t realize what I would be facing while trying to finish cosmetology school. 

Last August, my very resourceful husband found a large lump in my breast, and on my 25th birthday I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  “Um, could you repeat that please?”  Yep, breast cancer, and for the past year I have experienced ups and downs that I could not have imagined were even possible.  Within, two months of my diagnosis, I had a lumpectomy, fertility treatments to freeze embryos, and chemotherapy.  Two weeks after my first chemo, my hair began to fall out.  I knew that it was coming, but nothing could have prepared my for the strange void that I was experiencing.  I mean, it is just hair right?  I didn’t mind losing my hair, and there was something oddly lifting about the experience.  My baldness suddenly became a symbol of my sickness, a badge of honor, so to speak.  I was going to be a survivor.  However, doubt began to hit me.  I started to question how my appearance would affect my education, and my ability to get a job afterwards.  Who would want to get a haircut by a bald chick?

I had read some flyers about Look Good, Feel Better, while at my cancer center, but didn’t think that it would be appropriate for me to go.  I already had plenty of makeup and scarves, so I felt like I would be taking away from another woman who needed those gifts more than I did.  I must admit that the lure of free makeup eventually won me over.  Cosmetics is a weakness of mine.  The LGFB meeting was the first time I had spoke to other women with cancer, and I began to feel the importance of what was happening in front of me.  I was being given the opportunity to have my life touched by others, and to let myself be taken care of.  For me, LGFB was the first time that I believed that I had cancer for a reason.  It no longer seemed ironic that I was going through cosmetology school, a profession that ultimately seems superficial.  Someday, I was going to have a woman in my chair getting her last haircut before her treatment begins, and maybe I will be of some comfort to her that she will get through the obstacles ahead.

Life wasn’t punishing me, but giving me a chance by Tatiana Willis

It’s very hard to see something good it every bad situation, especially if bad situation includes cancer diagnoses Hard, but worth it. Two years ago at age of 37, I was (what I thought) perfectly healthy. I was trying to explain the increasing pain in my legs and chest with stress, even though, I had no reasons to feel stressed-out. When I couldn’t ignore it any longer and finally made a doctor appointment thinking that most likely the relief will come before the appointment. Instead, just days later, I found myself in ER with blood clots in my lungs and an oxygen mask over my face. Still in shock, I was trying to understand why and how that is happened to me and was making promises to start a healthier life style, when I’ve got even bigger shocker. Scan results had arrived reviling a large tumor around my right ovary, which turned out to be an ovarian cancer, stage II. 

 As I remember myself back then, I was in absolute denial of my diagnosis. And even after the surgery, a week later still in the hospital, hooked up to multiple high-tech devises, which there blinking and beeping resembling a Space Station, I firmly believed that at any moment the door will open and my doctor will tell me that there was a mistake and I am totally healthy and how happily I would forgive them everything!   But instead, my doctor said that I will have to undergo 6 rounds of chemo therapy. My spirit was officially crashed

When I heard about LGFB program, at first, I questioned: how is my looks are going to make me feel better?! Seriously, is there anything that could make me feel better now?!

My entire family lives in Russia and unable to come due to travel related difficulties, so my friends and neighbors became my greatest support. They refused to give up on me and through their positive attitude I’ve got the understanding, that life is NOT punishing me, but rather giving me a chance to beat the sneaky disease, which otherwise would’ve progress unnoticed!

  I become determined to get healthy and keep working at the office, doing it. But I was concerned about my ability looking professional with all those side effects of the chemo? So, I went to the LGFB class.

 And that class changed everything!  In class, during the film, I started to cry. For many it might seem silly, that that what I was worried about, when my life was at stake, but I faced my biggest fear of those times – loosing my hair, my pride and my identity! And as I saw the transformation on the screen and in the class of the patients in to the beautiful and radiant ladies, I’ve got not just hope, I’ve got courage.

 By the end of the class we were laughing, trying referent wigs and hats. We were ready for a new chapter in our lives – the recovery. My tears all dried up and I felt happy and hopeful once again!

 From that day I was looking very confident going to my office. Yes, I lost eyelashes and eyebrows, but I was using the makeup techniques that I learned and no one noticed that. My wig was stylish and every day was a good hair day! And I had the astonished amount of compliments from unsuspecting strangers regarding my great looks. It felt great and, guess what?  It made me feel great! THANK YOU !!!

p.s. 1 y. cancer free!

 Make a Difference by Lisa Morgan

 The C word, cancer.  What a scary word.  I was diagnosed Feb.  11, 2009 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  It is the rarest blood cancer, but very curable.  As of today, I have 2 chemotherapy treatments to go.  And then we will do scans again. I didn’t want cancer, but I want something good to come out of it.  I believe you can find good in something bad, even cancer.

This is how I have gotten though the last 6 months.  First of all, God.  He has walked with me every step of the way.  He has been there for every poke of the needle, every treatment,  every test, and every result, whether it be good or bad.  Then there is my husband, aka my caregiver.  The best ever.  He has learned how to cook and clean.  And does a better job than I ever did.  And my family, they have been very supportive and put up with a lot. 

My church family, they deserve their own paragraph.  All the prayers, all the inquiries and all the love.  Not to mention all the wonderful meals after every treatment.  And sometimes, just any night of the week.  Then there was a list of people that wanted to take me anywhere I needed to go.  My treatments last 3 to 4 hours.  Then they would take me out to eat lunch, before the chemo killed the taste buds.

Now I must talk about the Look Good Feel Good program.  I knew that I would be losing my hair.  At first, I thought I would just wear hats.  But then when the time came, I decided that to keep things as normal as possible I needed hair.  That is when I met Elaine.  What a sweet lady, a cancer survivor, and the Look Good Feel Better leader.  She helped me to find a great wig.  Then she told me about the program, which I was very excited to attend.  My friend Vera, one of my great supporters, went with me.  She was just as excited as I was.  The program was great.  I gave me the confidence that I needed.  It showed me tricks of the trade, so to speak. 

I think where I am making the most of a bad situation, is all the compliments I receive.  People tell me, nearly every day, I didn’t know you were sick or I didn’t know you have cancer.  You don’t look sick.  Where cancer has made a difference in my life, the Look Good Feel Better program has made a difference in living with cancer.   This program helps us to be better survivors.

Aloha Cancer Aloha (Hello Cancer, Goodbye Cancer) by Sharon Asato

I live in Honolulu Hawaii, my name is Sharon Asato and I am a Cancer survivor of almost 2 years.  (diagnosed in 2006 finished treatments in 2008). As all cancer patients experience first fear, shock, denial, devastation, then anger and depression sets in. I felt as if my life was over and in the back of my mind I was  hoping that it was all just a bad dream, but unfortunately it wasn’t it was real.

The next thing I knew I was sitting in the office of American Cancer Society registering my name. Trying to be courteous (still in the angry and depressed mode) I thanked them for all the books and information that was given to me. I went home and read as much as I could before the surgeries, chemotherapy and radiations began. I then realized that by educating myself about what cancer was, how it is treatable, and with all the new technology today that I will live to be a happy gray-haired old lady.

The next step for me was to continue with all the medical help that I needed and more knowledge about Cancer and FIGHT! The fight is still there but one can only wonder why such an illness can leave you feeling so sick, tired, bald and unattractive. That’s when I signed up for Look Good Feel Better program (LGFB). I was given the chance to take off my hat in front of other ladies just like me. We were all bald!

 I really needed the LGFB class. It was the first time I laughed in a long time. It made me feel as if for those 2 hour we were in a protective bubble and we could just forget about the cancer. I felt like a school girl playing with mom’s make-up at a slumber party!

In just a short time, you can see the transformation of the beauty radiating in all of us, not only on the outside but from within. The LGFB class has such a beautiful silver lining. It’s a wonderful healing therapy for the mind and body.Since feeling better, (but not back to work yet) I was so thankful of how much the American Cancer Society was so supportive and giving to me, they were just like an extended ohana (family).

I had the need to give back in some way. So I decided to  get certified to teach the LGFB class, it’s so wonderful to volunteer and it  gives me  great pleasure seeing it from the other side  how the ladies get the enjoyment and fun experience as I did.

The LGFB program gave me confidence and knowledge to learn that I wasn’t alone. How amazing that a little make-up and conversation can help change my thinking.  I can deal with cancer in a positive way which will help the healing process work that much easier. So from the bald ugly girl with cancer to a LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER person.

The New Me, Three Times Over by Nichole Spindler

December 28, 2007: I need a change, something to represent a new me and a new year.  I decided to lop off 11 inches of my ponytail and donate it to an organization that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of an illness.  My hairdresser of 10 years does the honors and I love the new cut.  At this point, I look good, and I feel good too.  Fast forward four months to April 10, 2008: six days after visiting the doctor, I am diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 26.  I am scheduled to start chemo four days later.  Not exactly the new meI was going for.  I was determined not to allow my illness and the side effects of my treatment take control.  I decided early on to be proactive and beat it to the punch.  Id rather cut off my hair than wait around until it fell out.  This was irony at work: if I had known my hair was going to be that short, I would have donated another six inches in December!  From the beginning of this journey, though, I was never alone.  My hairdresser came in on her day off to cut my hair and my mom and sister both went short and sassy with their hair too.  It became a group effort.  I began the process of recovery with a pugnacious attitude and I brought along a strong support group, my cheerleaders if you will, composed of my family, friends, and members of our tight-knit community.

It is frightening to look into a mirror and see a stranger staring back.  That was the feeling I experienced as I witnessed the effects of chemo take a toll on my body.  I began to resemble a blue-eyed Mrs. Potato head; it was a face I didn’t even recognize-one that didn’t belong to me.  Luckily, about half way through my treatment, I was invited to the Look Good…Feel Better program.  Sitting around the table were four of us: one woman was old enough to be my mother, and the other two old enough to be my grandmother.  It was a motley crew indeed.  But we had one important thing in common: we were all fighting and we could all use a pick-me-up.  The few hours spent with these women was a blast!  We laughed as one of them got a little expressive with the mascara because once she took off her glasses she couldn’t see.  We gave one another input on colors and styles and we simply enjoyed the company.  The experience was about more than just learning how to look good and getting the tools to accomplish this.  Sharing time with women who could relate was as inspirational as the make-up, scarves, and hats.  The look good part of the night helped build confidence, but it was the feel better part that helped promote healing.