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CORTLANDT, N.Y. Few things make a woman feel quite as vulnerable as the physical changes that often accompany cancer treatment. A monthly program at Hudson Valley Hospital Center can help these courageous women rediscover their beauty.
'Look Good Feel Better' is a marvelous program, said Betty Engel, facilitator at the Ashikari Breast Center at HVHC. When women leave a session, theyre visibly happier than when they arrived. Knowing they look good helps women heal as they continue their cancer journeys.
Look Good Feel Better was developed by the Personal Care Products Foundation in 1989 and today partners with the American Cancer Society to provide free wigs and makeup to women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Certified cosmetologists provide free professional beauty tips on how to use the products and care for their beauty during difficult treatments.
A lot of times there may be one or two here that are used to a little makeup application, said Monica Parker Milligan, owner of Diva Designs in Mount Vernon. She added that many were not used to new techniques, such as penciling in eyebrows. What I believe is, they gain in self-confidence, Im telling you this program is so rewarding.
Edith Mellino, a cancer patient at the Ashikari Breast Center, calls the program a real treat.
Ive learned so much, Mellino said. This program is really wonderful.
The Ashikari Breast Center is known for other procedures, which take womens mental stress into account when performing cancer treatment. For example, the center uses a technique during mastectomies where breasts are reconstructed during the same surgery session as the mastectomy, eliminating the need for secondary surgeries, or temporary implants.
The next Look Good Feel Better program will be on Feb. 21 at the Ashikari Breast Center at HVHC. The program takes place the third Tuesday of every month.
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