KELSIE IORIO
It’s estimated that 130, 446 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2016, and 46, 880 people will pass away from the disease.
What pops into your head when you hear the word cancer?
Hospital beds, chemotherapy, pale skin and hair loss?
For many, it is first things that pops into their head, and it can certainly make facing a battle with cancer daunting.
Look Good Feel Better is an organization which aims to change outlooks for cancer patients on their journey to recovery by simply helping them to look good and feel better.
Running workshops around the state for people affected by cancer, LGFB shares tips and tricks on skincare, makeup, wigs, scarves and turbans for men, women and young people.
For something so simple, the results are impressive.
“I really enjoyed it, it was fantastic,” according to Caroline Bawasiak, a participant in a LGFB workshop
“The girls were so good, really good. I learned a lot, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is going through this.”
Caroline was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is due to begin treatment soon.
Sharon Cotten suffers from a rare spindle cell sarcoma which affected her palate, cheekbone and eye socket, and was extremely grateful for the help of LGFB.
“You have your ups and downs and I’m happy to be here today,” Sharon said.
“I’ve got a long way to go still… but I’m going to live my life and that’s how we all should live our lives. Don’t say no, just say yes and just do it.”
LGFB workshops are run entirely by volunteers in locations around the country,.
All cosmetics used in the workshop are donated to workshop participants and workshop spaces are donated by hospitals or community centers.
The workshops are enjoyed not only by the participants, but also by the volunteers, according to four-year LGFB volunteer Carmel Grathern.
“I love the workshops because you get to have lots of fun and try different things and just let your hair down have a go.