At the end of 2018, I discovered a large lump on my neck while I was working overseas. My doctor arranged for it to be biopsied once I returned to the country in February 2019, and those tests came back inconclusive. About eight months later, I still had the lump and I was feeling really run down, and my new GP ran some further tests and recommended that I get the lump biopsied again. The second time the tests showed that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

There was about six weeks between my diagnosis and staring treatment, and in between that there was a heap of other tests, a rushed round of IVF to collect some eggs, and turning 30. Going through treatment was difficult. It was the first time I had spent a lot of time as a patient in the health care system and there was a lot to navigate. The chemotherapy regime was tough, and I was spending a lot of time at home recovering from that.

I’d been told about the Look Good Feel Better program but it wasn’t something that I was sure I would get a lot out of. Looking back however, I think I was making excuses for myself - at the time I was still quite reluctant to identify as a cancer patient, and I felt like attending groups such as this would cement that I was one.

The workshop provided an opportunity to get out of the house for a day involving something that wasn’t a medical appointment. I learned a lot of practical things about skin care and cosmetics, and it was really helpful having someone there to provide practical information about wigs and headwear.

The facilitators were really experienced, and they knew the sorts of issues that everyone was facing with their appearance and life generally. Although it was with a group of other cancer patients, we weren’t treated like that was all we were.

I remember laughing a lot with the other workshop participants - before that, I don’t think that I had really connected with other people who were going through treatment and I really appreciated that. A handful of the other participants were also having treatment at the same hospital as I was, so it meant that there were now some familiar faces around which was nice. It was also just great being able to participate in something like this that wasn’t limited to a particular type of cancer or an age group.

I think that attending the Look Good Feel Better workshop put me in the right frame of mind to utilise other services available for people undergoing treatment or living with cancer. Before I did the workshop I was hesitant to attend other groups, because I was reluctant to identify as a cancer patient. Meeting the other participants and having a great time at the workshop gave me the confidence to seek out other support services which I think really benefited me during treatment and recovery.

Taking part in Dry July helps fund the Look Good Feel Better program, meaning more Australians undergoing cancer treatment can benefit from the same positive experiences I did. Thank you for your support.

We are thrilled to let you know that your incredible efforts contributed towards $87,260 being raised to help fund our confidence-boosting program; aiming to teach cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by treatment for any type of cancer.

Your dedication to our cause means that thousands of cancer patients across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from our Workshops and Home-Delivered Confidence Kits over the next 12 months. Patients like Kerry, who said;

“Going through the cancer journey, so many things are completely out of your control and I’m grateful and hang on to every moment where I feel empowered, strong and happy. Your work has given me a number of these precious moments.”

For 31 years, Look Good Feel Better has empowered Australians undergoing cancer treatment to face their diagnosis with confidence, and our work is only possible because of the generosity of people like you.

Workshop volunteer and Dry July participant, Leah, knows how beneficial Look Good Feel Better workshops are for people living with cancer.

"I have witnessed first-hand women walking into the workshop looking so disheartened and insecure, and leaving with smiles on their faces, wanting to go home and show their loved ones what they learnt and how they feel, and knowing it's ok to smile again."

We are so proud to continue funding this program so that people can face cancer with confidence. 🌟

Find a Look Good Feel Better workshop near you, or join virtually! 👉 https://lgfb.org.au/workshop/

Thanks to your Dry July fundraising efforts and dedication to the cause, thousands of cancer patients across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from our workshops and Home-Delivered Confidence Kits over the next 12 months.

For 30 years, Look Good Feel Better has been helping Australians face cancer with confidence through more than just makeup. As past participant Karen said;

"My deep and sincere gratitude goes to the amazing team who provided our workshop. Volunteers and patients alike all got along and we shared many laughs.

I have to say it was great being in a place where we all undergo treatment of some sort but none of us felt like patients. There was no pity party, only lovely proactive conversation.

My heart went out to several participants who admitted this was the first time they had been able to talk about cancer as they aren’t having discussions with friends and family. What a lovely experience and safe place you have provided!

The volunteers are a fabulous team who are to be commended on their desire for fellow women to feel good about themselves! Thank you.”

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.