Feeling better, looking good

The kits include body lotions, sunscreens and makeup including blushers, eyeliners, mascaras and lipsticks, for an everyday look.

“We’re giving them the tools to work with and then they get to take it all home,” Ms. Todd said. “Our biggest challenge is trying to have people not think this is a makeup party. The last thing they want to think about is how to wear their makeup. When they have cancer - they have much bigger things to worry about. We understand that these women are going through struggles not only with how they look, but with how they feel.  We know there are a lot of social and economic and psychological issues that they are dealing with and what we see when they come through our doors is just the tip of the iceberg.”

There are 17 workshop sites in Atlantic Canada, with three in Newfoundland. Ms. Todd said the workshop site in St. John’s is successful, however, the sites in Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook are struggling.

“I think that part of it is geographical,” Ms. Todd said. “It’s just a long way to come from those outlying areas. None of us want to drive 2 1/2 hours usually and if you’ve just had your chemo treatment or you are not feeling really well with cancer at any given day, you don’t want to make plans for those trips.”

She added she is concerned that if people do not register for these workshops, the national office will consider it non-viable and will close the doors, and that is what she is trying to avoid.

“It’s a very popular program,” Ms. Todd said. “Once women come they absolutely love it. They get that camaraderie and they always have a smile on their face when they leave. We just want them to have a good time.”

The workshops are being held once a month to the end of 2010, and may be held bi-monthly in the New Year depending on registration and interest.

Dorothy Parsons and Louise Norman are team leaders of the local program. Workshops will be held at the Canadian Cancer Society Office located at 10 Pinsent Drive in Grand Falls-Windsor on Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Registration is required and those interested in registering can call the local office at 489-5822.