Look Good Feel Better

Matthew is my name. I am a mechanic by trade and I've worked in all facets of the industry over many years. I have lived and worked around Australia and in the south of Hungary, and have settled for now in Victoria, driving a truck for a local company. I'm a single bloke, l have 6 cars, 12 push bikes, 3 sheep, and 2 sheds full of good stuff.

On the 12th January 2023 after many months of tests and scans, I received the news that I had Stage 2, medium-grade prostate cancer.

I was at home at the time that my urologist rang me and gave me the news. It did come as a shock, but I also half expected it as my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer only eight months earlier. In saying that, once the news sank in I was devastated. I had no real symptoms. What now?

The 7th of February came around so bloody quickly. I was in hospital, paperwork done and I was in a bed just outside the operating theatre, staring at the ceiling thinking, "fffarr out, this is some serious stuff about to happen". The theatre nurses were great. We had a chat and they set me at ease, and then gave me the gas.

The operation went well and I was up and walking eight hours later. Recovery also went well, despite an infection slowing things down.

Unfortunately after the surgery my numbers didn’t come down enough so after some more tests, radiation and hormone therapy was next. This part of the journey was the hardest part.

It takes every bit of confidence away from you - the fatigue, the hot flushes, the brain fog, confusion with the simplest things, the loss of strength, and ultimately depression tries very hard to take over.

One of my radiation nurses suggested to me that a Look Good Feel Better workshop might be good for me and I am so glad she did. I was hesitant at first. I was still having radiation and feeling super tired but it was good to talk with other guys about stuff they were dealing with and their ways of coping. And the Look Good Feel Better volunteer's demonstration and advice on how to tackle certain issues with skin and hair was helpful.

I had never realised the small things that can make so much difference - the realistic wigs, simple make-up applications to help with side effects like redness, sunscreen and hats, moisturiser for skin and nails, etc. Even just some small changes to a daily routine can be a huge help.

The Look Good Feel Better program is a positive part of treatment and recovery from this terrible disease and really did help with returning some normality. I'm grateful to everyone that supports the program.

If you're able to make a donation to help the program continue to run free of charge for all Australians undergoing cancer treatment, please do.

Dry July’s support continues to directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Look Good Feel Better program, ensuring that we can continue offering both in-person and virtual services to reach individuals no matter their location or circumstance. The ability to offer a combination of flexible and accessible services ensures that our program will continue to serve individuals across Australia, creating lasting impact and support for those facing cancer treatment.

To date Dry July’s support has ensured 200 people have been able to access our program throughout treatment. Please find below some participant testimonials to show the impact of your support.

“The presenters were wonderful, professional, knowledgeable and friendly. They made me feel at ease and comfortable very quickly. Everything about this workshop was excellent. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to participate. The positive effects still continue. This workshop made a huge lasting and positive difference to me and to my ongoing recovery. An enormous heartfelt thankyou to the organisers and volunteers of Look Good Feel Better Workshops; I can’t express strongly enough how much your efforts contribute to enhancing the wellbeing of a patient like me at a time I needed it most. I wish the Look Good Feel Better workshops continued success.” Evelyn

“I had cancer the first time during covid lockdown. The isolation from other people with the same disease was difficult. On Monday, being with a group of women with the same or similar challenges and just having fun together was great. The LGFB volunteers were very kind. Much appreciated.” Helen

“I was a little apprehensive heading into the workshop. As soon as I walked in I felt spoilt from the care of the beautiful volunteers, they made the whole morning so relaxing and comfortable. The products donated by the companies were amazing (feeling very luxurious) To spend time and women who are on a similar journey as my own was so rewarding for my emotional wellbeing it was so nice to hear their stories and share mine I left feeling on top of the world. Thank you!” Jodi

Thank you for taking part in Dry July and for choosing to support Look Good Feel Better this year. By taking on the challenge, you helped us raise $45,951 to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of women, men and teens across the country as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment.

As you know, our program connects a community of people living a shared experience, empowering them to regain control, confidence, and a sense of self. Thanks to you, over 460 Australians will now be able to benefit from our services over the coming 12 months.

For more than 34 years, the generosity and commitment of people like you has allowed people like Tracy to access our program. As Tracy shared with us;

“I had the opportunity to attend one of your workshops today. I have been having a really hard time lately and my depression has been very bad. I wasn't going to attend but my husband and daughter gave me a few nudges and convinced me to go along.

By the time the workshop finished I felt so much better. I had a smile on my face and I felt less depressed. I just wanted to thank you all; especially the volunteers who ran the workshop.

To be able to forget about treatments and appointments for a couple of hours meant the world to me, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

On behalf of the Look Good Feel Better team, and the participants who can now benefit from our program, we thank you for your support and contribution towards making a positive difference in the lives of people living with cancer.

Cancer impacted my life from a very young age. Sadly, both my mother and father passed away after a diagnosis – my mother died when she was 46 and I was 10, and my father when he was 56. This difficult period impacted me deeply and has been imprinted on my behaviour since. Because of this loss, I have always appreciated the everyday, along with being very grateful to be in good health.

It is an unfortunate reality that most of us have been affected by cancer in some way, but I am relieved that there is now so much help available to manage the treatment process and ease some of the burden of a diagnosis.

I have been involved with Look Good Feel Better for decades now; first as a supporter during my time as a beauty department sales manager, and most recently in my role as Chair of the Cancer Patients Foundation, which is responsible for running the Look Good Feel Better program.

Having attended workshops and spoken to many program participants, I feel reassured that every individual who attends a workshop feels better. The joy they feel during each workshop and that small moment of reprieve from their often-aggressive cancer treatment directly corelates with the healing process. The program has a rare and impressive strike rate, and is therefore one that I feel passionate about building support for and awareness of.

Being part of the beauty industry and so closely involved with the charity, I am super proud of the never-ending generosity with regards to helping the community.

It is so rewarding to know that I, as an individual can make a difference, and I know that if everyone just gave a small amount towards helping others, we have the very real ability to make a significant improvement in the lives of so many people who are navigating such a challenging time.

Raising money in this economic environment is getting harder and harder, but taking on the Dry July challenge again this year is the least I can do to ensure Look Good Feel Better can continue to exist for the thousands who need it. And I am taking on the extra challenge of raising even more funds than we did last year, so I hope you will support me in achieving this for the benefit of all Australians undergoing cancer treatment.

Let’s make sure everyone has access to the Look Good Feel Better program for years to come.

Funds raised from Dry July 2023 are helping to fund Look Good Feel Better workshops and Confidence Kits, which connect a community of people living a shared experience, empowering them to regain control, a sense of self, and confidence.

Thanks to you, over 400 Australians will now be able to benefit from the program over the coming 12 months.