“Towards the end of June, I found a lump in my left breast. I went to my GP and the following day I was sent for an ultrasound and mammogram. There were four small areas of concern and so I had to have fine needle and core biopsies done.
Waiting for the results was the most gruelling time. My breast was growing larger and firmer by the day and finally on the first of July, I took a phone call from my GP saying I needed to go see her: “Oh, and bring Saul with you,” she said.
As soon as we sat down she said it was cancer and that I would definitely need chemotherapy. Saul and I both burst into tears. All I can remember is saying “oh shit!” over and over. We had already been through gruelling times with the loss of one of our children – and now I was diagnosed with cancer.
Our life since diagnosis has changed considerably. For starters, childcare is not the ideal workplace for someone on chemotherapy as the risks of infection are too great, so I have had to stop working. Getting by on one income has proven difficult but thankfully there are support services out there. Our children are able to stay at their day-care and keep their normal routine. Saul is taking days off work to care for me, and my mum is around to take me to some of my chemo appointments.
Losing my hair was my biggest worry. As a woman, I’m conscious of how much my hair defines me. I turned to social media seeking help. I put out a message asking if any photographers would donate their time for a family photoshoot before my losing my hair. I had one photographer contact me and we arranged a photoshoot at our local park. A week later, once my long brown locks were falling out, I again turned to social media, this time for a hairdresser who came to our home and shaved my head so my girls could be involved and see the transformation. Through my tears I could see my three-year-old smiling and encouraging me through it.
Once I was over the shock of having cancer, I began looking into the different services and support I could access. Counselling, group support, alternative therapies, some took my interest, some didn’t. Then I came across Look Good Feel Better. I was a bit unsure as I don’t usually wear make-up, but every week my lovely nurses, while administering my chemo, would say they had only heard good things about the workshops. So I called and registered.
I attended alone as I wanted this time to be about me. It was so great seeing other ladies bald or fuzzy, like me. It was the first time I had gone bald in public, and gave me a little more confidence. Going through skin care, then onto the make-up was simple and easy to follow so much so I have been wearing make-up more often and looking after my skin better! Also having the scarves, turbans, hats and wigs to have a look at too was great. Even having my own wig, it was nice to try some others.
I would definitely recommend anyone with cancer to attend one of these workshops, men too! And if you don’t want to go alone you can bring a friend! It is a great morning meeting new people in similar situations and learning new skills to help me cope and feel better about myself.”
“I had noticed a sharp, hot pain, like a hot knitting needle poking into one spot of my left breast around 24 weeks into my pregnancy. I spoke to my obstetrician about it and he suggested I speak with my GP. My doctor examined the area and when no lump could be found she advised me to return in a month if my symptoms worsened.
I didn’t enquire again until my 37-week appointment and received a referral for an ultrasound. My pain had gotten stronger and I had noticed it keeping me awake at night. When I went for the ultrasound I already knew something was wrong, despite the sonographer’s best attempts to chat to me normally. He took so many more images of my left side compared with my right. When the radiologist came in, he was very frank and told me ‘it looked suspicious’ and he went ahead with a fine needle biopsy.
I don’t think I cried, I just remember leaving the imaging centre and getting things done that I had to do before Ben, my husband, got home from work. I was keeping myself busy to take my mind off things. I cried when I told him what the radiologist had said although we still didn’t have a diagnosis.
The next day, my husband rang to say the obstetrician had contacted him and wanted to see us together that afternoon. Obviously I knew that meant the worst and when we arrived, we were told of my diagnosis.
The obstetrician had already made me an appointment to see a breast surgeon. He offered to induce my labour that weekend but we weren’t quite ready. He also told us that it was likely I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed and this news probably upset me more than anything else.
That weekend we had to just get it to together and make sure we had everything perfectly ready for the baby’s arrival. I was induced early and Autumn was born on 19 August, 2015.
Two days after giving birth I underwent a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis, a bone scan and a mammogram. They explained the contrast used in the bone scan would make me radioactive for a day and whilst I could be in the same room as Autumn, it was best not to cuddle her too close. This wasn’t good enough for me so I told Ben to sit with her in the nursery, while I sat in the room alone waiting for the radiation to disappear. That was quite a sad day for me.
The surgeon identified three sites of cancer in the left breast. I was told that the treatment plan included six months of chemo followed by surgery and a full mastectomy. There were many tears as I had thought I wasn’t going to need chemotherapy. That was also the day I found out I would definitely lose my hair from treatment which was quite a shock as getting my hair styled and coloured was always my little treat to myself.
My life has definitely changed since diagnosis. I need to take things a bit more slowly now and I have to accept help when it’s offered to me. I am still going through all the things a new mother goes through and having breast cancer doesn’t change that. It’s still such a special and exciting time, despite the sleep deprivation and steep learning curve.
I look for silver linings all the time now, such as Ben being able to bond with her as he can feed her as well! Now that I have lost my hair (Ben shaved off the rest with an electric clipper) my wig looks really good and it’s very easy to look well-groomed as it is already styled.
When I was diagnosed and given the BCNA pack I had already started looking online for any support networks as I wanted to be as prepared as possible. Look Good Feel Better sounded like a great way to meet other people going through cancer while learning how to look my best, and care for my skin, during a time when my body was struggling with the medication that was doing the exact opposite to me!
I learnt how to apply make-up and where to start and finish my eyebrows if I need to draw them on- they’re clinging on at present! I didn’t wear a lot of make-up prior to my diagnosis but now, if I do go out to socialise with friends I tend to put more on and it really does give me the confidence to see other people.
I learnt how to best take care of my skin and now I routinely cleanse and moisturise my face and scalp twice a day – as well as using body lotion to keep my skin looking it’s best and preventing it from getting too dry. I didn’t know at the time that I should continue to lightly shampoo and condition the scalp as it stimulates and encourages blood flow.
Although I was one of the younger women who attended the workshop I think, once you get a diagnosis like cancer, you bond with those going through what you’re going through. We all did have a good chat and it was really great to see their faces light up when they had applied their make-up and also tried on a wig or headscarf. The transformation was really beautiful to watch as I suspected some of the ladies didn’t wear much make-up before. Looking back, that was the best thing about the workshop for me; seeing a group of women, all going through a similar experience and all looking their best after applying some make-up and trying on a wig.
We also got an enormous amount of free products that I am still using! These are donated by the cosmetic companies and I was really impressed with the brands we were given- another silver lining!
I would definitely recommend this workshop to others going through treatment for cancer- and the sooner the better to go. You’ll learn new things while meeting people that make you realise you’re not alone. It also stops you from getting too ‘down in the dumps’ about it as you realise there are so many people going through this, have gone through it, and come out the other side.”
“I’m a 44-year-old mum, happily married with two amazing boys aged 12 and 13. I worked as an office administrator for an engineering company with a wonderful boss who had been supportive and understanding during my journey with cancer. Unfortunately, I had to give up my position due to the symptoms of chemotherapy.
I enjoy picking up a good book to read, seeing a good movie, getting outdoors especially the beach and spending time with my family. I am passionate about singing and I’m a member of a reggae band as the lead singer with 7 other musicians. I have always loved singing, writing songs and performing – I find it’s a great way to let my hair down and express myself.
In May, 2015 I found a hard lump in my left breast which at the time didn’t concern me. I did the usual check-ups, from a mammogram to a needle biopsy and then an ultrasound. The tests came back fine and I thought I was in the clear until the lump began to grow in size.
I went back to my doctor and she advised me to get a second needle biopsy and referred me to a breast surgeon. Once again the needle biopsy came back clear. My surgeon was concerned even though the tests didn’t show anything and advised me to get a lumpectomy. It took a good three weeks before I decided to go ahead with the surgery still thinking in my mind it was all OK. I went through with the lumpectomy and waited for the results.
Two weeks later I took a call from my surgeon asking me to come see her that afternoon. I somehow knew it was bad news because she was supposed to be on holidays and she told me to bring my husband. We arrived at the clinic and my surgeon called me into her office.
I prepared myself for the bad news. The doctor wasted no time: “I’m so sorry you have HER2 positive breast cancer and you need to book in for a mastectomy on your left breast along with an ancillary clearance. We also need to organise for you to see an oncologist and start you on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eventually hormone treatment.” I just blanked out!
I tried to hold back the tears, and I don’t really know why I held the tears back in front of the surgeon, maybe I just wanted to show I was strong, but it wasn’t until I walked out of her office the tears began to fall, and my husband cried with me. I was in disbelief; how could I have breast cancer when no one else in my family had ever had it? I kept going over reasons in my head: Maybe it was my diet? Maybe I wasn’t active enough when I was younger? Was it from too much stress? How can this be?
It took me a good two weeks for it to sink in that I had breast cancer and it’s been an emotional roller-coaster since. The hardest thing is not knowing how you will react to the chemotherapy and the side-effects. You are not the same person you were before diagnosis. I used to be very active, I exercised just about every day, I was always on the go keeping my family and the house organised and I used to love my food (eating that is). It puts your life on hold. I have no appetite, I no longer work which has had a financial impact on my family and not to mention all the side effects of chemo: fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, mood swings, no hair and the list goes on!
In saying that not all days are bad and I still have a good laugh every now and then and I have a great support network with my family, friends and my church. I try and make the most of the good days and I appreciate life a whole lot more. I get to spend a lot more quality time with my family and I let go of the little things that used to annoy me. I have a new found respect for other cancer patients and what they go through. Now I just try to take each day one day at a time and try to help others I come across whether they’re going through cancer or just doing it tough in any way.
I was feeling pretty down after I lost my hair and I thought I would enjoy going along to the Look Good Feel Better workshop. It offered me some tips on make-up and a good opportunity to meet others going through the same journey. The best thing about it was the simple things I could do to feel better about myself – changing the way I see make-up, different scarf tying techniques and trying on wigs – all in a positive environment. Of course I would recommend anyone else going through cancer treatment to book themselves into a workshop.”
Things moved very quickly. The following week I had a mastectomy to remove my left breast and shortly after I began a course of intensive chemotherapy over four months. That’s when my life really changed, I went from being fit, energetic and independent to sick, weak and totally dependent. At times, I barely recognised myself. But I guess like anything in life, I had two choices – to let the situation swallow me or find a way to get through it.
As hard as it was, I was determined to maintain as much normality in my life as possible. I thought I could be like Samantha from Sex and the City, sipping cocktails in a wig and keeping it together. I quickly realised chemo was nothing like the way Samantha made it look. But I did my best.
With the constant exhaustion and endless side effects, physically things became difficult for me. But more than that, it’s also incredibly mentally exhausting dealing with cancer. The amount of mental energy it takes to get up each day and stay motivated can be really draining. But it was important for me to stay connected to my life and I think this desire to stay connected made me so much stronger in the end.
I work in the cosmetics industry as a training manager so my job is to present in front beauty advisors in a classroom. I continued to work through my treatment when I was able to. It may have seemed like business as usual but of course it wasn’t easy.
And then there’s the appearance-related side-effects. I’d volunteered at many Look Good Feel Better workshops over the years so I had witnessed the impact these workshops had on women undergoing treatment. But it really hit home when I was suddenly on the other side. Learning that I would lose my hair was frightening. Going bald meant losing some of my identity, it meant losing a bit of control and it meant I would actually look like a cancer patient. I made the most of my hair loss by experimenting with scarves and of course investing in a wig so I could continue to do my job with confidence. And thank God for make-up! The worse I felt, the brighter my lipstick became and the bigger my false lashes were.
Look Good Feel Better is such an amazing program because it equips women with those tips and tricks you need to feel like yourself again. And it’s so comforting to be able to attend a workshop and meet people you can relate to.
So here I am, one year later, on the other side of the most challenging time of my life. And I’m honored to be part of this great cause. I’m now in remission and looking forward to getting the all-clear. I have gained so much in the past year. Cancer has been my greatest teacher. One thing I’ve learnt is to just enjoy the present moment because you truly don’t know what’s around the corner.”
“Nine months ago I was sitting in a doctor’s office in a lovely floral cotton gown and hearing that I had breast cancer. Two lumps in my right breast, Stage 2, Grade 3 with 1 lymph node involved. The doctor who diagnosed me was wearing a Byron Bay style turban. She had just finished her chemo for cancer. There was someone in the waiting room behind a curtain and I could hear them crying. Another cancer diagnosis.
What a frightening and bewildering time. I was 46 years old, and hardly ever even caught a cold. My immune system was better than most, I thought. But there I was. The weeks and months that followed were filled with appointments with the surgeon, many nerve-wracking scans and tests, two surgeries – a double mastectomy and lymph node dissection – then oncologist appointments, prognosis information and four months of so-called dense dose chemo. I now know that dense dose does not mean you receive a treatment every fortnight. It means that the drugs will make you quite dense! When I look back at that time I see I was living in some kind of parallel universe where life feels very different. You are poisoned and drugged.
Right now I am having three-monthly checkups and my cancer is in remission. I am on a new drug, which has its own set of side effects and makes me cry a lot. All of the treatments have put me into meanopause. Yes I did spell that correctly. MEANopause. If I was on Big Brother I would have been voted off yesterday. Having said all that, I am so very grateful for all of the treatments that are available. I feel very grateful that I can be here to complain about every single one of them!
There is a lot of fear in a cancer diagnosis. You fear for your future and your health, fear for your family’s future and well-being, fear when someone at the shops sneezes near you when your white blood cell count is low. It happened!
When I was diagnosed I decided to tackle my cancer challenge the same way I tackled work challenges – I would work very hard, stay calm and focussed on my goals and do my research. I would keep working at it for a long time. Forever if I had to. As long as it took. I began an anti-cancer diet, exercise and meditation which I continue today.
For me, having cancer has meant coming to terms with a new body. I have a new body shape, but I like it better than the old one – even though it’s not all real – I’ve finally lost the few kilos I’d been trying to lose for years! I have a new appreciation for nose hair. I received eight free skin peels and hair removal treatments thanks to chemo. I have newfound respect for skin care, make-up, wigs and headwear.
I have had an amazing experience being involved with the Look Good Feel Better program. When I was diagnosed with cancer, make-up was the last thing on my mind. Look Good Feel Better and the wonderful volunteers reminded me what a difference some beautiful new skin products, make-up and a wig can make to how you look and how you feel. Before long these things became a lifeline to me, and they continue to be, nine months later.
I have worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for more than 35 years and in 2003, decided to start volunteering with Look Good Feel Better after seeing an ad in the paper calling for support.
Volunteering with the program adds a wonderful balance to my busy lifestyle – the bravery, tenacity and grace I see in the workshops make me want to be a better person and confirm why I volunteer. If I can help just one person feel happier and better about themselves during a challenging time, the flow on effect reaches so many more people in their lives.
Look Good Feel Better is special as it is an activity the participants can be a part of without a medical theme being paramount. At a time in their lives where doctors, hospitals, medicines, needles and various other medical procedures become the norm, it is a chance to meet and relate to potential new friends in an environment where they can relax, learn new make-up and skincare tip and tricks and best of all, have a laugh and boost their emotional wellbeing!
I love to see the ladies relax as the morning proceeds and they become more comfortable, and I continue to be amazed and inspired by the strength and courage shown by different people at various stages of their journey. Generally, participants start the morning quiet and unsure of what is ahead then within hours, the room is animated and full of laughs and jokes as they relax and indulge in some essential self-care and self-love.
I also enjoy spending time with my wonderful fellow volunteers – who have become great friends – and seeing women empowering other women. I hope that my fellow volunteers and I instill confidence in the participants by keeping the vibe light and informal and by helping them realise there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do things. We are not expecting anyone to become professional makeup artists, just to feel confident trying something new or being inspired enough to put on some lippy to brighten not only their face, but their mood, and subsequently their day.
Volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is more than just makeup. It is an opportunity to share, cheer, uplift, inspire and encourage one another.
I retired my Podiatry private practice eight years ago and since that time, I have injected my energy into raising 3 sons and decided that any extra hours I had could best be used in a volunteering capacity.
I started volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in 2016 and the cause was close to my heart. A friend of mine was undergoing chemotherapy and told me of her experiences at one of the workshops. She said “the benefits were overwhelming” and I thought, that’s where I want to be. I love the idea of being involved in that sort of positivity. I enjoy knowing that we are making a significant difference to the participant’s lives, even if it is only for a matter of two and a half hours.
Look Good Feel Better is special because participants receive an unexpected bonus amidst the unpleasant array of medical appointments and side effects associated with this relentless disease. Having the workshops run by volunteers, and cosmetic companies committing to the program through the donation of product is very kind and special in itself. In this world the word ‘free’ is seldom used, but at Look Good Feel Better it is used all the time!
When we welcome a participant to a workshop, we notice the emotional and physical heaviness they often carry with them; it is almost palpable. Quite often you can see them using their hands to physically cover their hairless heads and faces, but throughout the workshop their demeanor changes. They start to experiment with the products. They learn techniques to cover the blemishes, changes to their skin tone, and dark under-eye circles. They are delighted to know how to draw eyebrows on. They see the benefits of accentuating eyes, brows and lips on a complexion that has been blanched and significantly altered by the side effects of treatment. At this point they appear relieved and have hope that they can feel almost normal going out in public again, without others staring and recognising they have cancer.
The participants are then completely overjoyed when they see the limitless headwear options available to them. I love to see them grab the bamboo hats and try them on, overwhelmed with their softness and comfort. And then there is the ‘fringe’ that can be worn under a bandana or hat. They say “who could imagine?” and “nobody would know!”. Finally, they are given the opportunity to interact with other kindred spirits. Only those who have experienced cancer could relate to the physical changes and challenges they face as a result of their treatment. They no longer feel alone in this journey and our participants leave the workshop very happy, confident and excited to try their treasure trove of ideas and products.
I encourage others to volunteer, as a commitment to Look Good Feel Better is an achievable voluntary position. To momentarily and selflessly contribute to something positive to someone else’s life at a time when those people are most vulnerable is truly rewarding.
Having lived in Canberra for over 45 years with my husband Ian, our two children and nine grandchildren, Ian and I decided to have a tree change five years ago and moved from suburbia to a small farm, 32 kilometers from Canberra. We have embraced our country life and love it.
Ian and I have owned our own businesses for many years and, having always been the ‘office lady’, I decided I needed a change and took a role as a cosmetic consultant on a beauty counter in Canberra. I’d always been a make-up person and it was a job I really loved – meeting new people and making life-long friends, learning about make-up and how to apply it.
In 1994, the Look Good Feel Better program launched in the ACT. My brother was going through a cancer journey at that time and I thought ‘this is something I can do – to give back and help cancer patients’. 24 years later I am still volunteering, covering both Canberra venues as facilitator and headwear demonstrator.
Over the time I have been a Look Good Feel Better volunteer I have seen so many brave, courageous, wonderful women go through our workshops and meeting them all has been a privilege. Being able to give women going through a traumatic time in their lives the empowerment to face cancer with confidence always brings joy.
So many women come to workshops very unsure about what to expect. I love to see the changes taking place; the quiet lady suddenly laughing and chatting to the lady sitting next to her. The lady who never wears make-up seeing the transformation it can result in, and loving it. The lady who was never going to wear a wig, wanting to know where she can buy one. These wonderful women always give me that warm fuzzy feeling.
I would certainly encourage others to volunteer with Look Good Feel Better if they are able to. Yes, it is a commitment but it is a wonderful opportunity to help others, it will also lift your own confidence, and the rewards are enormous.
I am 30 years old from Echuca, Victoria and started volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in 2008. I have been a hairdresser for 13 years and have been employed as a senior stylist for the past 11 years.
I absolutely love my job and everything to do with the hair industry, and strongly believe in supporting my local community in the best way I can.
I had heard the Look Good Feel Better program being spoken about on the Oprah Winfrey show about 6 months before I joined as a volunteer. I went to work the day after seeing the segment all fired up about how amazing it would be to be involved in something like it, not realising it was running in Australia. I went overseas for a month and upon returning, signed up to be the wig demonstrator for the Echuca workshops.
What’s special to me about Look Good Feel Better is that we have the ability to directly impact the lives of people who are often at their most vulnerable. I enjoy being involved in people’s journeys and giving them the tools to make going through treatment just that little bit easier.
I find most participants who walk into a workshop are often feeling unsure of what to expect and uncertain of whether it can really make them feel better. By the end of each workshop there is laughter, smiles and an understanding that they aren’t alone in their journey. There’s a realisation that sometimes the smallest rituals – like putting on a little makeup each morning or adjusting their wig while looking in the mirror before walking out the door – are all the tools they need to make this time in their life just that fraction easier.
Aside from learning the tips and tricks to help combat the side effects of treatment, the participants also get to network with others in a similar situation, share stories and most importantly, laugh.
I would encourage anyone who is thinking of getting involved to do so. We get to help people when they are most in need and just being there for someone else is one of the most rewarding things about the whole experience.
I retired to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane in 2002 with my partner, and we have 5 children and 9 grandchildren.
I am skilled in beauty therapy, makeup artistry, educating and have a background in pharmacy. I decided to start volunteering for Look Good Feel Better in 2012 after reading a newspaper article about the program needing volunteers.
When I first joined the team I was volunteering at two venues on the Sunshine Coast, before we relocated to the Moreton Bay region. After a brief break to settle in to our new life, I got back on board and have spent the past few years volunteering across another three venues.
What I enjoy most about volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is seeing participants walk out of each workshop with smiles on their faces and renewed confidence from spending just 2.5 hours with a wonderful, supportive team of ladies helping them to look good and feel better about themselves.
As each workshop progresses we see the participants relax, connect with the other ladies dealing with the same issues, and develop renewed confidence and self-esteem. The knowledge and skills gained are invaluable, empowering each participant to feel in control of their lives again.
Everything about this wonderful program is special – from the people that run it to the people that contribute and volunteer. I am so proud to say I am part of Look Good Feel Better and would absolutely encourage others to volunteer with the program.
I’m a 43-year-old wife and Mum to two amazing kids, whom I adore. As a family we have travelled the world and have lived in 3 different states in Australia, but for now we are very much at home and settled in Melbourne. After a long career in Human Resource Management I made the decision to re-train in beauty therapy and as a make-up artist, and it was because of this I became involved with Look Good Feel Better.
I began volunteering with the program in 2015. While working as a facial therapist, I met a client undergoing treatment for cancer who was so desperate to feel and look ‘normal’ and like her old self. I was so inspired and encouraged when I was able to help her feel so wonderful that I went straight home to search for ways I could help others in this situation. Look Good Feel Better was ideal, and a perfect way to utilise my skills as a beauty therapist and make-up artist.
The workshops offer women a great opportunity to learn helpful tips and tricks for improving their appearance but more importantly, give women a chance to meet other women dealing with the same concerns. They are understandably vulnerable but find a safe place and a sisterhood, sometimes even developing lasting friendships after our workshops have finished.
I meet women at every workshop dealing with the devastating effects of cancer and its treatments on their appearance. Some of them don’t recognise themselves anymore and avoid looking at themselves in the mirror. Some women have never worn make-up or have never been shown how to use it. Our workshops take away any fear they may have and we give easy to follow tips that they can use at home. I love to watch the physical transformation after our participants have spent the morning playing with make-up and learning about wigs and head scarves. Most participants are quiet in the beginning, but often our workshops end in loud and joyous laughter and conversation. They leave having learned practical ways to help themselves feel better about putting their best selves out into the world.
I love meeting new people and contributing to our community through volunteering with Look Good Feel Better. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness women facing enormous health challenges doing so with bravery, courage and compassion for each other. The workshops are always such great fun and I’ve found some lovely friendships with my fellow volunteers. I also love showing my kids how incredible it feels to help others – Mum is always in a good mood after a morning at a Look Good Feel Better workshop!
Giving my time and help to others voluntarily is a one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Knowing that I can help to make a small difference in the life of someone else is such a great feeling. I’m often asked if I feel sad by what I see in the workshops but quite honestly, I’m inspired and energised by the collective compassion shown by all the volunteers, and the bravery and positivity of the women participating.
Victorian Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year (2015) shares her thoughts on volunteering with LGFB.
“I am a Melbourne girl born and bred. and love to travel. Now that our children are adults, my husband and I are taking the opportunity to travel both far and near. When I’m not volunteering I spend most of my time either at the gym, cooking or quilting. Whilst I haven’t been involved in the beauty industry for many years now, I am loving being involved with Look Good Feel Better and find it both enjoyable and rewarding.
I was fortunate enough to take part in a workshop while going through my own treatment for breast cancer and found it incredibly helpful. I wanted to assist other people in gaining the same benefits that I did, knowing there were some things I could control.
My current role is to show up and fulfil my commitment by doing the best job I can do on the day. The thing I love the most is that all the other volunteers I work with have the same attitude. We are all there to help where we can.
I have been a volunteer for almost four years and assist at a number of venues including Monash Medical Centre, Moorabbin; Frankston Health; St John of God, Berwick; The Bays Hospital, Mornington; and Peninsula Private.
By volunteering with Look Good Feel Better, I gain a sense of satisfaction from giving the participants something to smile about. A lady recently said at the end of a workshop that she could not remember the last time she laughed. That was pretty amazing to me. Our workshops offer so much more than make-up and headwear tips.
Being awarded Victoria’s Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year means many things to me but mostly it gives me encouragement to continue my volunteer work for as long as I can.
To anyone thinking about volunteering I would say do it. You will be empowered by the difference you make to somebody and the friendships you will forge.”
