Community Corner

Volunteer Helps Cancer Patients 'Look Good, Feel Better'

Diane Gill received national recognition last year for her work helping cancer patients feel good about themselves.

Coping with the fear that comes with a diagnosis of breast cancer is overwhelming by itself.

But then comes to treatment and the inevitable toll it takes on the body -- mastectomies, hair loss, skin damage.

"Not only do women have to deal with they diagnosis but they can feel unattractive and lose their self-confidence," said Diane Gill of Brandon.

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That's where Gill steps in.

For 15 years, the licensed cosmetologist has been helping cancer patients deal with the appearance-related side effects of treatment through the Southeast Hillsborough Unit of the American Cancer Society's Look Good...Feel Better program.

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Held the last Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the cancer society office, 1462 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, the program is a joint venture of the National Cosmetology Association, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association, which donates the beauty products the women receive.

"We receive donations from 45 different cosmetics companies," said Gill, "all great products, which we show cancer patients how to use so they can look their best and feel more confident."

Gill, a former salon owner, is one of 14,000 certified cosmetologists around the country who work with cancer patients in the Look Good...Feel Better program.

"I got involved after I lost my best friend to cancer," she said. "It's a program that's near and dear to my heart."

The program provides wigs, scarves, turbans, bras, hats, prosthetics and makeup for free to cancer patients.

"I still remember my first class," said Gill. "When everyone took off their wigs, I thought I'd pass out. Now I don't bat an eye."

Gill shows the patients how to apply makeup to camouflage the effects of chemotherapy on the skin as well as how to choose and style a wig that best suits the patient.

"It's a wonderful program," she said. "We have such a great time in the classes. And the ladies are always so happy when they leave."

For her work, last year Gill received the national Sunrise Award for Outstanding Service from the American Cancer Society.

In addition to offering the class in Brandon, Gill teaches at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, and just recently began offering the program at South Bay Hospital in Sun City Center.

The next Brandon class will take place Nov. 28. To register, call 1-800-227-2345.


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