Attended by some 450 cosmeticians, the Cosmeticians Association of Israel Tel Aviv District Conference held on Sept. 3, 2012, featured two lectures on cosmetic treatment for cancer patients.
A lecture delivered by Mrs. Silvia Alashvily informed conference attendees about the ICA "Look Good Feel Better" project which provides guidance and consultation to cancer patients on how to cope with dermatological changes and facial skin changes, as well as hair loss and nail changes as a result of oncological treatment. Mrs. Francine Robinson, a "Yad Lehachlama" volunteer, initiated this project.
This lecture emphasized the need for more volunteers to further develop this wonderful endeavor that helps ascertain that cancer patients focus on beauty care treatment while coping with cancer treatments, because when you look good, you feel better, thus making it is easier to cope with the disease and treatments on the road to recovery.
The lecture delivered by Mrs. Chaya Timens, senior cosmetician, a decade-long "Yad Lehachlama" volunteer at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, focused on the special needs of cancer patients and the implementation of cosmetic treatment among patients undergoing different kinds of treatment, as each specific treatment and the particular patient's health condition require special attention.
Chaya recounted experiences of both the patients, who emerged from beauty care treatment feeling better and looking radiant, and the cosmeticians, who also gained great satisfaction from offering these services.
Chaya read excerpts from letters (of appreciation) that patients wrote her: "The cosmetic treatment lifts my spirits in general, and helps me cope with the disease. I felt that my treatment that day went more smoothly".
At the close of the conference, the numerous participants expressed their wish to work as Look Good, Feel Better volunteers at hospitals and Israel Cancer Association branches.