Look Good Feel Better is an organization that helps people manage the impact that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance. We spoke with Michelle Pilon, Regional Manager of Western Canada, to find out more about what they do.
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only national charitable program dedicated to helping people manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment, and we just celebrated our 30th Anniversary in Canada!
The organization helps people with cancer feel like themselves again following a diagnosis, by offering complimentary workshops that provide education, information and emotional support to those facing cancer and their circle of care. We believe that the best medicine doesn’t always come in a bottle and cancer care needs to treat the whole person – including the well-being and the quality of life of the people that are affected.
What problem does it aim to solve?
A person diagnosed with cancer may not only lose her hair, eyelashes and eyebrows – they lose their sense of self and may feel vulnerable in many ways. That’s why Look Good Feel Better offers free workshops to show people certain steps they can take so they can look good, feel better and get closer to the person they were before they began fighting this debilitating disease. It takes one thing off the table at a time when there are so many other fears they may be facing.
We offer in-person and online workshops for women and teens, which are led by trained cosmetic advisors and hair alternative specialists, who cover three main topics including skincare & cosmetics, breast care, forms & garments, and wigs & hair alternatives.
We also recently launched an online men’s workshop where we cover topics such as skin care, sunscreen, shaving, managing hair loss and the use of colour cosmetics.
When did you start/join it?
I joined Look Good Feel Better in February 2017 – so it’s going on five years now!
What made you want to get involved?
I have a passion for supportive care and making a difference in the lives of cancer patients – the Look Good Feel better workshops have such a positive impact on patients walking a cancer journey – we help build self-confidence and empowerment.
What was the situation like when you started? How has it changed since?
When I started, Look Good Feel Better workshops were in-person only, and as a result of the pandemic, we had to pivot – and we now deliver the workshops virtually and in-person, reaching even more Canadians. Additionally, we have developed a new online men’s workshop! We have expanded our reach in rural communities across the country and we continue to develop new programming to meet society’s needs.
What more needs to be done?
We are continuing to raise awareness and exposure for Look Good Feel Better, and we want all communities to know we are here to support them during their cancer journey.
How can our readers help?
Look Good Feel Better programming is solely funded through donations from the community, and Canadians can kindly support our workshops here. We greatly appreciate every contribution! And if you know anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, please encourage them to sign up for one of our programs.
Do you have any events coming up?
We are in the process of re-opening our in-person women’s workshops across Calgary, and the country and Canadians can find a workshop near them by visiting our website.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
