Cancer treatment can be overwhelming and grueling. Treatment can take a toll on an individual and alter their appearance and self-confidence. The American Cancer Society has been hosting the Look Good Feel Better program at healthcare facilities across the country for decades. The program teaches beauty techniques to individuals with cancer to help them manage specific side effects of treatment. During the program, patients learn about skin care, nail care, wigs, turbans and styling.
Once a quarter, Look Good Feel Better meets at North Arkansas Medical Regional Center. The program is led by local Mary Kay Senior Sales Director, Cindy Harness, and coordinated by NARMC Auxiliary Volunteer, Randi Morton.
This program is very dear to Morton’s heart. She went through cancer treatment in 2002 when she lived in Tennessee. Now as a survivor and volunteer, it is her time to give back to others.
“I want other women to get the same care that I got when I went through treatment,” Morton said.
Volunteers from the community give their time each quarter to improve the lives of the participants. Harness guides the women on how to take care of their skin and apply make-up. Then they have the opportunity to try on wigs with the help of hair stylists.
Seeing how appreciative the attendees are to be there makes all of the planning worth it.
“It is so rewarding,” Morton said. “It is a passion of mine. You want these women to be happy and feel good about themselves.”
The program may seem focused on make-up tutorials, but it is all about helping women feel better about themselves while dealing with difficult health issues.
Claude Parrish Cancer Center is located at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are offered at the Claude Parrish Cancer Center. The cancer center is one example of how NARMC is offering the best of care, close to home.
NARMC is located in Harrison, Arkansas and is a 176-bed hospital and medical system employing 800 healthcare professionals. The medical center serves the healthcare needs of Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Carroll Counties. The hospital has been named one of the Top 100 rural hospitals in the nation by The Rural Health Policy Institute; they have received numerous 5 star ratings by Healthgrade and scored in the 98th percentile for patient satisfaction in the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Ratings.
Back Row, Left to Right: Cindy Harness, Mary Kay Senior Sales Director; Randi Morton, NARMC Auxiliary volunteer; Crystal Valentine, Satchet; Cody Hackstadt, Satchet; Mackenzie Adams, Satchet; Tory James, Satchet Front Row, Left to Right: Karen Ibarra, Ramona Beavers, Lola (Jean) Carlon and Maxine Clayton