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Program helps cancer surviors regain confidence |
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Suzanne Bousquet, an aesthetician, make-up artist and hair stylist, volunteers her time with the American Cancer Society's "Look Good . Feel Better" program. Bousquet applies makeup to cancer survivor Jennie McGiverin of Holyoke at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield.
Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD - Jennie McGiverin of Holyoke may have lost her hair - but certainly not her spirit - as she navigates her new world after having been diagnosed with breast cancer in July.
"My faith keeps me strong," McGiverin said during an interview with Reminder Publications at Mercy Medical Center on Oct. 26. McGiverin was among the women participating in the American Cancer Society's "Look Good . Feel Better" program, which teaches beauty techniques to women who are actively undergoing cancer treatment.
"Look Good" programs are conducted in Springfield at both the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy, and the D'Amour Cancer Center at Baystate Medical Center.
Pre-registration is required. Upcoming dates include: Jan. 25, Baystate; Feb. 22, Mercy; March 29, Baystate; April 26, Mercy; May 24, Baystate; and June 28, Mercy. All programs are conducted from 4 to 6 p.m.
Suzanne Bousquet, an aesthetician, make-up artist and hair stylist at The Hair Gallery Inc. in Ludlow, is one of the volunteer cosmetologists who teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Lancone, Mary Kay and Clinique are among the companies that donate products in light, medium, dark and extra dark shades to enhance all complexion types.
Each woman participating in the free program receives a cosmetic kit that includes a mirror, body lotion, toning lotion, moisturizers, brushes, powders, concealer and hand sanitizer. The value of each kit is approximately $300.
For McGiverin and others that evening, Bousquet was a godsend.
"I learned a lot tonight about techniques in applying makeup," McGiverin said. "It also felt good to sit here and talk with other women experiencing the same issues."
For more than six years, Bousquet has shared her expertise on makeup techniques, and also teaches ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories.
"This program is so very important because it restores cancer patients self-image and appearance," Bousquet said. "The premise is, if a patient can be helped to look good, she'll feel better and the quality of her life can be improved. When you are down you need that support and that is what I do, be there to help them."
Bousquet added that women often come to a class a little apprehensive but all leave with a "smile and a grateful appreciation in the knowledge that someone has taken the time to help them in their time of need."
Bousquet noted that the Look Good program has enriched her life and has made her a better person since she has a better understanding of what women go through during a traumatic time in their life.
"Women will learn to cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatments and regain a sense of self-confidence and control over their lives," Bousquet said. "These side effects may include hair loss and changes in complexion and fingernails, and are often emotionally and psychologically traumatizing."
As the early evening session came to a close, McGiverin noted, "I feel good about myself, makeup can make a difference."
For more information on the "Look Good . Feel Better" program, call Sara Mutch at the American Cancer Society at 493-2155.
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