A NEW programme to help cancer patients feel better while going through one of the most traumatic periods of their lives has been introduced in University Hospital Kerry.
The “Look Good Feel Better” Programme, a unique programme of free skincare and makeup workshops for patients, was launched on Wednesday night at the Ashe Hotel, where Kerry Rose, Julett Culloty, herself a former Cancer patient, gave her support.
Continued below…
It will be available for patients at the Oncology Unit at University Hospital Kerry thanks to mother and daughter team, Clair McEvoy and Leonie Flaherty who were instrumental in bringing forward the proposal of having this service available to the women of Kerry.
Patients that attend the Oncology services are going through what can be one of the most traumatic times in their lives and the Look Good Feel Better Programme is providing an escape from reality, to leave their illness behind for a short time and relax in the company of other women and be pampered by a team of beauty professionals.
Look Good Feel Better also provides the women with practical tips on how to manage their changed appearance following the side effects of their treatments.
It is a positive, friendly and relaxed atmosphere which can help women regain their identity and self esteem.
“Our first workshop took place on Monday, April 18 where we had 10 ladies attend. It was both an emotional and proud moment to see the months of meetings and preparations finally pay off and to see how much enjoyment our ladies got from their session,” said Leonie.
Continued below…
The basic thinking behind LGFB is that if you look good, it can help you to feel better and this is recognised by the different medical professions involved in patient care and treatment.
“We are very fortunate to have such a fantastic team of volunteers willing to give their time and expertise to this project every month, and also a huge thank you to Tara O’Halloran from FAS for coming on board and helping with fundraising,” said Clair.
The Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Programme is an international charity operating in 26 countries. The aim is to help women combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment. LGFB is supported by companies in the cosmetics industry who provide donations in the form of products and of course the expertise of their volunteer beauty consultants.
It is because of their generosity that LGFB is able to help over 1,000 Irish women each year through workshops. Scroll down for more photos…