Last week I attended American Cancer Society's (ACS) Relay for Life Kick-off meeting held in Centre Hall.  Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.  I was overwhelmed to see so many team leaders in attendance knowing that each of them represented a group of 10 to 15 people who have been touched by cancer and are dedicated to the fight against cancer.

My role for the evening was to represent the Look Good Feel Better Program as a session leader and try to give a perspective of how their efforts really do make a difference.  The Look Good Feel Better is a non-medical  program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them manage the appearance related side effects of cancer treatment. A step-by-step makeover learning session that is led by cosmetology professionals using products donated by the cosmetic industry. Each two hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care and makeup lesion, nail care techniques, and professional advice on how to deal with hair loss using wigs, scarves, hats, hairpieces, and other accessories.  We hold two Look Good... Feel Better sessions a month in Centre County.

With over 540 cancer diagnosis in Centre County alone each year, there are definitely a lot of women out there who could benefit from this free program.  Not only does the money raised support cancer research, it enables the ACS to offer information and guidance, gift items, transportation gas cards, wigs, hats and programs such as  LGFB, Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery and Hope Lodge all of which benefit our local community.

 Here is brief look at what some past participants have said.

"Thank you for helping me feel pretty again.  I haven't felt pretty in such a long time.  With my new hair and makeup look I'm ready to face the world again." Gay

"One of my biggest fears is that I will lose my eyelashes and eyebrows. You taught me how to use makeup to create brows and appearance of lashes, I didn't know how good they could look. Thank you for the special tips and techniques, I feel ready to handle my fear." Barb

"I didn't know what to expect when I came to the LGFB session and I admit I was a bit nervous.  You helped me to be prepared for the changes I may experience and I feel much more confident." Lori

"Cancer is a terrible disease that threatened my life, the treatment took away my dignity as a woman.  My body parts were no longer in my control, my hair fell out in clumps, and my skin became red and inflamed.  I felt terrible and looked worse.  I really enjoyed the pampering session and you taking the time to make me feel like a woman again." Ann

If you enjoy walking why not participate in one of the many Relay for Life        events in your area.