VINTON–The American Cancer Society has recognized Pat Bruce with the 2015 “Look Good Feel Better” Sunrise Award. Bruce serves as advisor to the ACS program, working with cancer patients throughout the valley. This program is one funded by events such as the Vinton Relay for Life.
“Look Good Feel Better” is a free national program dedicated to improving the lives of women undergoing cancer treatment by offering guidance and advice to help them cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment. Volunteers are recognized each year who have made extraordinary contributions to the program and the lives of the women it serves.
The “Look Good Feel Better” program is made possible in the United States through a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association. These three organizations have worked together for 26 years to improve the morale, confidence and quality of life for women during cancer treatments, offering a sense of normalcy and control during an often difficult and challenging time. “Look Good Feel Better” serves approximately 50,000 women each year.
“It is amazing to see the difference in the ladies from the time they go into a session to the time they leave,” said Bruce. “Many of them are transformed on the inside as much as they are on the outside. They may enter very quietly, heads down, and soft-spoken; but they leave excited, chatting to each other, and many times, exchanging contact information.”
A 26-year volunteer, Bruce has become a cheerleader for the other programs the ACS has to offer cancer patients, survivors, and families.
“So many women aren’t familiar with all the programs the Society has available to help them during their cancer journey,” noted Bruce. “So no matter where I am I constantly talk about the American Cancer Society and its many useful programs.”
If you are interested in becoming a “Look Good Feel Better” volunteer or would like to volunteer for other programs, contact Anne Barclay at 757-493-7956 or send an e-mail to: anne.barclay@cancer.org
According to their website, the American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the nation since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates.
The ACS states that, “We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.”