DANVILLE — For a couple of hours last week, cancer patients had a chance to pamper themselves with a makeover.

Thirteen women took part in the “Look Good … Feel Better” session, a free program that helps women combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments with beauty techniques.

With the help of two volunteer cosmetologists, the women received hands-on beauty tips, shared their thoughts on how they’re handling side effects and learned about the resources available through the American Cancer Society.

The session, sponsored by the Cancer Society, was held at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.

Vickie Steward of Covington, Ind., was enthusiastic about the session, hoping to learn tips to make her eyes stand out and to hide dark circles.

Since starting treatment for multiple myeloma, she’s noticed a lot of changes in her appearance, such as having skin color lighter than normal.

“I hope to get the energy to want to put the makeup on and how to apply it,” she said, as the session got under way.

Each woman received a red bag filled with makeup, lotion and other goodies. The make-up kits are made possible through a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association.

Volunteer Carol Robinson, who owns Hair Plus Salon in Rantoul, and her co-worker Betty Taylor gave tips to the group about how to use the products, and also worked with individuals.

Both women have experienced cancer in their families and volunteering was their way of giving back.

Robison’s father died of stomach cancer when she was a child, and Taylor’s mother is a breast-cancer survivor. They have other relatives and acquaintances with cancer, but they’ve been healthy.

“We’re so blessed,” Robinson said. “I want to give back.”

The women had to become certified to lead the sessions. Their role was to help the participants interact and share their stories, answer questions about hair and makeup, and show them how to enhance their appearance.

“We’re excited about it,” Taylor said, noting this was their first session.

The training also helps them assist customers who are going through treatments.

Before the session got under way, Trisha Gillespie, patient services representative with the American Cancer Society, told the women about the resources available.

For example, Provena’s cancer center has a wig bank, which gives a free wig to every patient, and the American Cancer Society has a catalogue, which allows patients to order a wig at no cost, Gillespie said.

The Cancer Society has numerous resources, such as volunteers to take people to and from treatments, a kit to keep track of bills and information, financial assistance for lodging, clinical trials, support groups and nutrition information.

Gillespie was pleased with the turnout, and noted that sessions are held in Champaign every month. The next sessions in Danville will be April 5 and June 7 at Provena. Each session is limited to about 12 participants so they have a chance to receive individualized help.

HELP NEEDED

The American Cancer Society is looking for licensed cosmetologists who would like to volunteer with the “Look Good … Feel Better” program. A volunteer cosmetologist leads the session and provides instructions and help in using the contents of the make-up kit, which is provided free to each participant. The hours spent volunteering are flexible and care is taken to work around the volunteer’s schedule.

The next training will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, 900 W. Temple, Effingham. The class will train volunteers to teach beauty and skin care techniques, as well as tips for disguising hair loss, to women who are undergoing cancer treatment.

FUNDING

Relay for Life of Vermilion County raises funds that help make “Look Good … Feel Better,” the wig bank and other American Cancer Society programs possible.

Funds also help support American Cancer Society programs such as research, rides to and from treatment; support networks that link newly diagnosed patients with cancer survivors, and Web sites — http://www.cancer.org or http://www.illinoiscancerhelp.org — and a hotline where a real person offers up-to-date information and help every day. The hotline number is (800) 227-2345.

FYI

For more information, visit the Web site http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call (800) 395-LOOK.

The next sessions in Danville will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 and also 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 7 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. The program is free, but participants need to register in advance by calling Trisha Gillespie at 356-9076, option 3, or (800) 252-1110 or e-mailing trisha.gillespie@cancer.org.

A free training session for cosmetologists who want to volunteer will be March 15 in Effingham. Contact Gillespie at the numbers above to register.