Look Good...Feel Better puts new face on survivorship
"Although beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the feeling of being beautiful exists solely in the mind of the beheld."
Daily Herald - May 28, 2008
"Everyone loves the program and while there may be reluctance at first, by the end of the day, most jump in to sample products and test new techniques," a participant explains. "It's a great feeling of satisfaction knowing that simple make-up application and techniques can boost confidence and outlook."
Hair care, wigs & more
"I really empathize with cancer patients facing hair loss," says Linda DiFronzo, owner of Arlington Heights' Hair For You Salon and dedicated 14-year American Cancer Society volunteer wig expert.
"It's an amazing gift to be able to change someone's life," says DiFronzo whose 2-year-old niece battled leukemia and two sisters also have faced personal cancer battles.
"Losing your hair is devastating and I've always believed that if I have the skill, I should use it to help make a difference."
Following a personal one-half hour consultation in her salon, DiFronzo works with clients to help determine needs, size and fit, make adjustments, cut and style wigs and hand tailor for a customized fit.
Options, she says, include synthetic wigs and those made of human hair or ultra silky European hair, with prices ranging from $129 to $2,400 per wig.
"Wigs often need to be used not only during chemotherapy, but for up to a year after treatment is complete," explains DiFronzo, who has been a hair stylist since 1979.
"For any woman to have her head shaved, it's often more traumatic than the actual cancer treatment. Wigs can give them back a sense of identity and minimize shock."
DiFronzo, who also volunteers her time cutting wigs the first Monday of every month at the American Cancer Society's Arlington Heights office, says matching hair color and texture is important. So is finding the right wig for a client's lifestyle.
"After cancer treatment, people often don't know what to do with their hair or they may want to try a totally different hairstyle. The First Cut program aims to nurture those who are battling the disease with extra pampering and a fresh, new look."
It's important for these clients to feel secure in seeking skills of a trained hair professional in a private and comfortable environment, she explains.
"Making others feel good makes me feel good," she says.
To learn more or register for First Cut, call the Arlington Heights office of the American Cancer Society at (847) 368-1166, option 3.
"Although beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the feeling of being beautiful exists solely in the mind of the beheld."
Daily Herald - May 28, 2008
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A labor of love
Group make-over sessions offer women facing appearance-related side effects a chance to gain self-confidence and skills to transform not only looks, but outlooks, says Oehlerking, who in addition to training cosmetologists in the program, also leads Look Good…Feel Better workshops locally at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights.
Free individual make-up kits, valued at $250, are provided to each participant, along with hands-on opportunities to use products and learn skills including measuring and drawing eyebrows, eyeliner application, skin conditioning and toning.
Group make-over sessions offer women facing appearance-related side effects a chance to gain self-confidence and skills to transform not only looks, but outlooks, says Oehlerking, who in addition to training cosmetologists in the program, also leads Look Good…Feel Better workshops locally at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights.
Free individual make-up kits, valued at $250, are provided to each participant, along with hands-on opportunities to use products and learn skills including measuring and drawing eyebrows, eyeliner application, skin conditioning and toning.
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A Look Good Feel Better Session |
"Everyone loves the program and while there may be reluctance at first, by the end of the day, most jump in to sample products and test new techniques," a participant explains. "It's a great feeling of satisfaction knowing that simple make-up application and techniques can boost confidence and outlook."
Hair care, wigs & more
"I really empathize with cancer patients facing hair loss," says Linda DiFronzo, owner of Arlington Heights' Hair For You Salon and dedicated 14-year American Cancer Society volunteer wig expert.
"It's an amazing gift to be able to change someone's life," says DiFronzo whose 2-year-old niece battled leukemia and two sisters also have faced personal cancer battles.
"Losing your hair is devastating and I've always believed that if I have the skill, I should use it to help make a difference."
Following a personal one-half hour consultation in her salon, DiFronzo works with clients to help determine needs, size and fit, make adjustments, cut and style wigs and hand tailor for a customized fit.
Options, she says, include synthetic wigs and those made of human hair or ultra silky European hair, with prices ranging from $129 to $2,400 per wig.
"Wigs often need to be used not only during chemotherapy, but for up to a year after treatment is complete," explains DiFronzo, who has been a hair stylist since 1979.
"For any woman to have her head shaved, it's often more traumatic than the actual cancer treatment. Wigs can give them back a sense of identity and minimize shock."
DiFronzo, who also volunteers her time cutting wigs the first Monday of every month at the American Cancer Society's Arlington Heights office, says matching hair color and texture is important. So is finding the right wig for a client's lifestyle.
"After cancer treatment, people often don't know what to do with their hair or they may want to try a totally different hairstyle. The First Cut program aims to nurture those who are battling the disease with extra pampering and a fresh, new look."
It's important for these clients to feel secure in seeking skills of a trained hair professional in a private and comfortable environment, she explains.
"Making others feel good makes me feel good," she says.
To learn more or register for First Cut, call the Arlington Heights office of the American Cancer Society at (847) 368-1166, option 3.
| Hair and skin care with a base of certified organic Aloe Vera gel. | |
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Rich in over 200 biologically active substances, including 75 nutrients, 20 minerals and 12 vitamins. | Available in the Chicago area at Hair For You Salon |
