CTFA Annual Report 2021

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Y V E T T E P O W E L L | N A T I O N A L P R O G R A M M E M A N A G E R COVID-19 AND CANCER , a deadly combination, which leaves a cancer patient with even greater ISOLATION and FEAR. While social restriction is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is of critical importance to bear in mind that social distancing should not equate to social disconnection. The present loneliness and social isolation among cancer patients can have an influence in the way they fight and respond to this dreadful disease. Because of this we introduced Look Good Feel Better Live Virtual Workshops. This online experience offers live instruction and tips for dealing with appearance related side effects of cancer treatment during two-hour online workshops. The good news is that these virtual workshops are very well received, and patients are so grateful and empowered by the inspirational, free support that can easily be accessed from the safety of their homes. What a great opportunity to TRANSFORM FEAR INTO COURAGE and ISOLATION INTO BELONGING! THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. WHY do some people find and sustain HOPE during difficult circumstances, while others do not? Dr Jerome Groopman made a discovery in his journey and wrote in his book, “The Anatomy of Hope,” that Hope is as important as the medicine that I prescribe and as important as the procedure that I might perform. “I see hope as the very heart of healing. And if there is no more hope for the body, there is always hope for the soul.” ”Extensive research internationally indicates the significant benefit of the Look Good Feel Better factor in the holistic treatment of a cancer patient. Dr Carol-Ann Benn , Specialist Surgeon, Johannesburg, said,” It is just as important for one of my cancer patients to attend a Look Good…Feel Better workshop as it is for them to have chemotherapy or radiation.” A simple act like taking care of your appearance can make an enormous difference to someone battling cancer. Putting on makeup for us at Look Good Feel Better ® is more than just making a patient look beautiful, it is a declaration of war against cancer. Make-up is our war paint. In World War Two, The Red Cross distributed lipstick to women serving with the army, and cosmetics companies produced bright lipsticks like Regimental Red (Helena Rubinstein) and Victory Red (Elizabeth Arden). The chunk of wax, oil, and pigment that forms the operative part of lipstick is known as the "bullet". Like a bullet, it has an affect that is out of proportion to its size. “Good self-care, including attending to beautification, is a sign of well- being,” says psychologist Lucy Beresford. “It’s an indicator that our self- worth is intact. In South Africa, 46 659 people have participated in the program, with 4323 workshops since the inception of the program. The program is managed by a small team of staff and relies on the support of 160 volunteers who give their time and expertise to help deliver the workshops across South Africa in 37 private clinics and public hospitals. We owe immense gratitude to our volunteers for their support and commitment. I t has been 6 months since I have been entrusted to the position of National Programme Manager of The Look Good Feel Better Foundation. What an honour and a privilege it is to stand at the helm of such a dynamic initiative. COSMETIC TOILETRY AND FRAGRANCE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA 15