Wallace State hosting program for women affected by cancer treatments

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HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College’s Salon and Spa Management program is now offering an outreach program through the American Cancer Society that helps women deal with the physical changes brought about by treatments for cancer. The program will host a Look Good Feel Better program on Friday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in the classroom of program’s state-of-the-art facility.

Program director Sabrina Flanigan will lead the session, which shares simple techniques on skin care, makeup and nail care, and gives practical tips on hair loss, wigs and head coverings. The program is a collaboration with the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association.

“I’m very excited and honored to get to be a part of this program,” said Flanigan. “We all know someone who’s been affected by cancer, and as professionals in the cosmetology industry there’s a strong chance our students will one day have a client facing cancer and the side effects of treatments. I hope our participation in the Look Good Feel Better program will not only help people in our community who need this service but will help our students as they prepare to serve others through their work.”

According to the American Cancer Society, Look Good Feel Better began in 1987 when a physician asked for help in organizing a makeover for a woman in cancer treatment who was experiencing dramatic appearance side effects. The makeover not only transformed her looks, but also her outlook, the Look Good Feel Better website notes about its first session.

The Personal Care Products Council, which helped with that first event, saw the potential to help more women maintain their confidence and their self-esteem during such a trying time. Industry leaders offered products and sponsorships and the American Cancer Society joined in the effort, as well as the Professional Beauty Association.

Today, the Look Good Feel Better program is available in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico using products donated by the Personal Care Products Council member companies. There is also a 24-hour hotline, online support, self-help mailer kits and more offered through the program. There’s also an app for both Android and iPhone.

Wallace State’s goal is to host two Look Good Feel Better programs each year during the fall and spring semesters. Area residents who are in or recently completed treatments are welcome to attend at no cost. For more information, contact Sabrina Flanigan at 256-352-8197 or sabrina.flanigan@wallacestate.edu or Gail Crutchfield at 256-352-8064 or gail.crutchfield@wallacestate.edu. For more information about Look Good Feel Better visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.