Cancer Support Blog

Imagine being 30 years old and being told that your life is about to end. That was Sherry Abbott’s life following a diagnosis of Stage 4 small cell ovarian cancer. Although her treatment plan was successful, Abbott was left a shadow of her former self. Having worked in the cosmetics industry, she knew how to use makeup to emphasize the good and feel better about herself as she recovered.

Now 56, Abbott’s experience gave birth to Beauty Gives Back,  an organization that has a goal of combatting the emotional distress caused by cancer and its treatment and thereby help women fight back to health. One of their programs, Look Good Feel Better, teaches women makeup and hair techniques in a two hour workshop format. Operated by beauty industry volunteers in 120 hospitals and cancer care facilities across Canada, “we help restore their confidence, and the confidence of those around them, to continue fighting with conviction and living with dignity.”

Online support is also available through another wildly successful program begun by Beauty Gives Back at the website FacingCancer.ca where members of all ages connect to share stories and information, address questions and learn through links to additional resources. One linked resource found inside the site that Abbott’s younger self would have appreciated is Young Adult Cancer Canada.

Women of all ages deserve to feel their best and receiving support from a community filled with the newly diagnosed to long time survivors is sure to be useful. As the old saying goes, “a little powder and a little paint makes a lady what she ain’t!” Sometimes, that’s a good thing and the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation, which operates Beauty Gives Back, understands.