The Power of Appearance
Cancer is a difficult diagnosis to bear, and the treatments that patients go through can leave them feeling drained and unmotivated. It can be challenging for them to feel good about themselves when they are constantly dealing with side effects like hair loss, fatigue, and skin problems. This is where organizations like Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) come in, offering hope and a sense of normalcy to cancer patients.
One such patient who benefited from LGFB’s services is Marethabile Letsoako. Despite feeling unwell, she attended one of LGFB’s self-care workshops at the Bloemfontein National hospital. The volunteers were amazed at her determination to participate, even though she could barely sit up. During the workshop, Marethabile applied makeup to her face, and when she looked at herself in the mirror afterward, she couldn’t believe the transformation.
Feeling energized and alive, Marethabile recognized her old, healthy self again. She was filled with joy and gratitude and managed to stand up for a bit longer. This transformation was more than just skin-deep, as it sparked a sense of hope that she hadn’t felt in a long time. For cancer patients, hope is a powerful feeling that can make all the difference in their treatment journey.
LGFB’s free two-hour self-care workshops help patients experiencing chemotherapy and radiation side effects to restore hope, which leads to the will to live for tomorrow despite not feeling well. They provide guidance on skin care, makeup application, and headscarf tying, among other things, to help patients feel better about themselves. This is because, as Audrey Hepburn once said, “The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”
The power of appearance should not be underestimated, as it has the ability to transform the way people feel about themselves. Cancer patients already have so much to deal with, and anything that can help them feel better is a step in the right direction. LGFB’s self-care workshops are a testament to this, providing patients with the tools they need to look and feel their best, and ultimately, restore their HOPE.
Marethabile’s story is a feel-good one that shows the transformative power of appearance. Cancer patients should not have to feel like they are losing a part of themselves, and LGFB is doing a tremendous job of helping them feel better about themselves. Our free workshops are a great example of the power of hope, and the crucial role that appearance can play in cancer treatment.