Breast cancer survivor, Ms Rosalind Heard believes it is important for cancer patients undergoing active treatment to feel confident.
Through the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) support programme, Ms Heard has helped many women regain their confidence and self-esteem.
The programme offers free two-hour skincare and make-up workshops to groups of patients.
Ms Heard, a Bedfordview resident, said LGFB aims to address the patients’ appearance-related side effects of their treatment, thus helping them to regain the self-confidence they need to face the world and fight the disease.
Asked how the programme and workshops work, M Heard said patients in need are identified by oncology staff at hospitals and clinics and then invited to the workshops.
“Companies from the cosmetic industry donate appropriate products for the 12-step skincare and make-up regime. Trained volunteers guide the patients through the regime, focusing on cancer-related side effects such as dry and very sensitive skin, hair (eyebrows and eyelash loss), pigmentation marks and discolouration of nails. They also educate the patients on the importance of skincare, especially
when undergoing treatment when skin is delicate and infection is prevalent and dangerous,” said Ms Heard.
She made headlines in 2015 after she stopped to assist a hit-and-run victim on the intersection of Kloof and Talisman roads.
At the time she told the NEWS that she did not want to be seen as a hero.
“This is because I believe that’s how we should behave as a people. I mean if I was down I would appreciate someone to hold my hand and tell me I would be okay. It’s ubuntu,” she said.
During a recent session of the workshop, held in Benoni, Ms Heard was joined by Miss Edenvale, Ms Shelby Mourna.
“We had a wonderful time spending the morning with the patients, volunteers and Miss Edenvale,” said Ms Heard.
The programme came to life in 2004 and is offered in 26 countries around the world with South Africa being the only African country offering it.
To date, 30 000 patients have attended the workshops hosted at 39 hospitals and clinics in seven regions across SA.
Ms Heard said she is grateful to be part of the experience.
“Being a cancer survivor myself, I get to share my fight with the disease and I can relate to what they go through on a daily basis. It is a rewarding experience,” she said.
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