Manatee Cancer Center to

Joan Russell goes does Sharon Blake's eyes. Russell says that a simple thing like drawing in eyebrows can transform a woman’s entire face. ”It’s so important to them not to just look beautiful but to look healthy,“ she said.

BRADENTON – A group of women converse cheerfully around a table toped with pink flowers and a vibrant array of refreshments. They sip ”faux champagne“ and chat amongst themselves. But something is distinctive about the social group; their eyes express evidence of a struggle, a story and strength unbeknown to anyone on the outside. 

”Is she just starting down the yellow brick road,“ a woman asks of another? 

”Yes, she’s in the first stages,“ someone replies.

Battling Cancer is hard on the body and even tougher on the soul. Women facing treatment not only have to deal with a life-threating ailment, but also the loss of their femininity. Their once luscious locks begin to thin, their eyelashes and eyebrows fall out and many have to cope with losing their breasts.

Being self-conscience about her appearance can directly affect a woman’s ability to recuperate from treatment.

”Having a good outlook and positive attitude can tremendously impact a woman’s recovery,“ said Dr. Mary Koshy, who specializes in radiation oncology. ”Battling cancer takes a remarkable amount of courage, and so many women are fighting it.“

A wide variety of make-up allows guests to choose their favorite shades.

Once a month, Manatee Cancer Center hosts ”Monday Makeovers.“ The occasion provides pampering treatments for cancer patients and caretakers. Guests enjoy free snacks, manicures, massages, makeovers and tips for looking good throughout treatment. The location also provides a fun social setting where women share their stories and help others in their journey to recuperation. Chanel makeup artists, Joan Russell and Dawn Patterson provide the free makeovers at Manatee Cancer Center West (6215 21st Ave West, Bradenton, FL  34209) from 10 am to 12 p.m. 

”Joan and Dawn are wonderful volunteers,“ said Koshy. ”They each have years of experience as professional makeup artists and are generously donating their time for this monthly event.“

Russell, is a cancer survivor herself. Two years ago, she didn’t expect to hear the words that she had cancer, least of all lung cancer. The news was a shock, she recalls, but the ailment wasn’t in the limelight for long. Twenty minutes later, she suffered a heart attack. In the weeks and months that followed, Russell focused on recovering from her heart attack so that her radiation treatment could begin. After completing radiation therapy and, with stage 3 lung cancer, she moved on to chemotherapy. 

Lisa Moscarello gives a gues a manicure.

Since then, she used her energy and positive outlook to give back to the cancer community. After 25 years of working with Christian Dior and Chanel, Russell teamed up with her good friend Dawn Patterson and the two decided to volunteer their cosmetic skills to cancer patients. Thus the idea of ”Makeover Mondays“ was born.

”It’s amazing what a difference a little makeup can do for your morale,“ Russell says.  ”Looking healthy is so important and if anyone deserves pampering, it’s these women.“  

Maggie Lacher, marketing director for MCC, says that the event is open to the entire cancer community.  ”Anyone who has ever fought cancer, is currently fighting cancer, or is a caregiver, is welcome to participate,“ she says.  ”Patients from other treatment facilities are also welcome.“

All other services are geared towards those suffering from the disease. Elaine Dohms, LMT, NCTMB will implement therapeutic chair massages and manicures are provided by Lisa Moscarello, of Salon Uptown Downtown.

The end result.

”If you look good you feel better,“ said cancer survivor Elaine Waters. ”My battle has been on-going and it’s nice to be pampered. It’s also nice to get tips on how to style my thinning hair so it looks more full.“

Sharon Blake, who underwent a double mastectomy and just finished 41 weeks of intense chemo and radiation therapy, says her hair is just starting to grow back. ”One of the hardest things was losing my long hair,“ she said. She donated most of it to Locks of Love shortly after she began treatment. But then she began loosing her eyelashes and eyebrows.

Russell says that a simple thing like drawing in eyebrows can transform a woman’s entire face. ”It’s so important to them not to just look beautiful but to look healthy,“ she said.

Since it’s inauguration three months ago, the event has gained popularity. Lacher is excited to see new faces every month. Interested residents should contact her at 941.795.2270 for more information. Reservations are required. Visit www.myfloridacancer.com for more details.