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.