Look Good Feel Better

Jodie's Story

"I found a lump in my breast in August last year, but to be honest I didn’t take it too seriously. I’m a young mum of two daughters, aged 14 and 10, and I didn’t think people like me, with no family history, got cancer.

When my GP referred me very quickly for a biopsy and further testing I became more concerned, and within four days of my initial check-up I received a breast cancer diagnosis. It completely took the wind out of me. I was shocked, scared and confused. And of course, the biggest question was why me?

As the plans were laid out for my treatment, my breast care nurse told me about the Look Good Feel Better workshops, and I was thrilled at the idea of joining with other women in the same position as me. I knew what was ahead with my chemotherapy and decided to attend early in my treatment to be armed with the tools needed to help me through such a challenging time.

The Look Good Feel Better program is such a valuable tool for women going through cancer treatment. Spending time with the other participants in a safe environment gave me great comfort, as we shared a laugh and some tears together. No one else can understand what you are going through quite like a fellow patient. And the volunteers made me feel so special and valued at a time when I was feeling quite sad and vulnerable. This journey is not an easy road, and the Look Good Feel Better workshops are designed completely with the wellbeing of participants in mind. "

By taking part in Dry July, you are ensuring that the Look Good Feel Better program can continue to support and empower cancer patients at a time when a boost in spirits and confidence is much-needed.

Thanks to funds raised from Dry July 2019 campaign, Look Good Feel Better will receive funding for 420 confidence-building workshops.

These workshops cover skincare techniques to address common side-effects like dryness and sun sensitivity; makeup tips to help correct and conceal redness, sallowness, pigmentation and dark circles as well as techniques for drawing on eyebrows; and advice on headwear including scarf styling and wig selection.

Each participant receives a complimentary Confidence Kit full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetic industry, and an instruction booklet to use as tools for application throughout the workshop and for continued use in their own homes.

Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. During the workshops, friendships and additional support networks are formed that can be invaluable during diagnosis and treatment.

Look Good Feel Better workshops are open anyone undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. In Australia, more than 130,000 people have participated in the program, with approximately 1,000 workshops now running annually in 180 venues nationwide.

The program is managed by a small team of team of staff and relies on the support of 1,300 trained cosmetic, beauty and hairdressing professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help deliver the workshops across Australia.

With no government funding, the Cancer Patients Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of corporate and community supporters to allow for the Look Good Feel Better service to be provided to cancer patients free-of-charge.

Following the success of the 2018 Dry July campaign, Dry July Foundation funded 450 Look Good Feel Better workshops helping men and women going through cancer treatment feel more like their normal selves. Here's what some of the participants had to say:

“The Look Good Feel Better workshop felt like a huge reward at the end of my treatment. It encouraged me to move forward with renewed confidence. I also felt humbled to see other women, travelling a far harder and longer road, blossom and laugh in the nurturing environment of Look Good Feel Better.” Susan, past participant

“This experience was way above my expectations. It was fantastic to be amongst other ladies who were going through similar experiences to myself and to have the genuine focus from the volunteers on our specific needs with regards to skin care and make up.” Elizabeth, past participant

“Thank you all for such a supportive and heartening experience. I was really on the ropes with the hair loss and having a bad day feeling unwell, but I was nevertheless able to get some useful makeup tips. You offer a fantastic and very generous service, delivered in a kind and respectful way, not asking too much of the participants, but providing timely and vital information.” Evi, past participant VIC

“I had a fantastic morning at the workshop! At the start of the workshop some of the ladies looked a bit nervous but by the end, every one of us was laughing and had enormous smiles on our faces.The headwear demonstrator was so helpful. 10/10 day - I've already recommended it to three lovely ladies. Thank you.” Janette, past participant NSW

“Excellent workshop! Its great to be among other women going through similar experiences. I'm much happier about losing my hair which will be any day soon where I was anxious about it before. I realise looking after your appearances helps not just yourself but people around you. Thank you very much!” Judith, past participant QLD

My partner and I met in Australia and moved to London together four years ago when I was 23 years old. I am self-employed, providing consulting and training services in the data protection and IT governance environment for businesses. I set-up the business when I was living in the UK alongside co-founding a cybersecurity startup with exciting new opportunities.

Whilst living in the UK, I noticed a pea-sized lump in my neck. It was around for a few weeks and I didn’t think much of it. Then over two days, the lump grew from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball and I knew I had to immediately get it checked.

I wasn’t actually worried about it at all at first; the three week process was that it was just a cist and we were testing to be sure, so I went to my hospital appointment for the results by myself. But the ultrasound and biopsy confirmed a cancer diagnosis – Hodgkins Lymphoma.

When I was first told, I didn’t really comprehend what it was. I immediately started asking questions about a solution. When the doctor mentioned that a few months of chemotherapy would be required, everything sank in and I was an emotional mess.

I spent the next 48 hours telling my family, calling all my clients and dropping out of work, and packing up our apartment to fly home to Australia immediately for treatment. The decision was made instantly as there wasn’t any way I’d be tackling this alone in the UK.

After receiving my diagnosis, everything stopped. The financial position my partner and I had forecasted we would be in by this time so we could start achieving our future plans was disrupted, and emotionally I felt like my life was ‘taken’ from me. However, you do gain a new appreciation for everything you ever had, realise you can earn it all back, and you start to move forward.

When I was offered the chance to attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop, I wasn’t reluctant to attend. I know someone who was reluctant because she didn’t want to feel like she had cancer, and such a workshop would confront that, but we actually ended up attending together and it felt like a great opportunity for friends to just hang out and get some make-up tips.

The workshop delivers exactly what it offers – it makes you look good and feel better. Not just because of the make-up or headwear, but also because you have a chance to spend time with other women who are dealing with the impact of their condition. The challenge of managing the physical side effects is one hundred times better when you’re not trying to figure it out on your own.

How to properly draw on eyebrows and put colour back in my cheeks was key for me, but being able to just let go of all the stresses that cancer causes due to physical changes and to be looked after for those two and a half hours is incredible. The whole workshop was stress-free and fun.

A further 150 workshops have received funding thanks to a second grant from the Dry July Foundation. In 2019, almost half of the workshops that Look Good Feel Better will now have been funded by thanks to the fundraising efforts of Dry July participants; a magnificent outcome.

Look Good Feel Better workshops are complete free for cancer patients to attend no matter what stage of their diagnosis. You can read more about the workshops and check for availability by clicking HERE.