Thank you, Dr. Neelesh Bangalore.

Although I don’t know you personally, I have met wonderful women who have come to know you more personally than I’m sure they ever wanted. These women are cancer survivors and patients of yours that have attended a free program offered by the American Cancer Society called “Look Good…Feel Better.”

“Look Good…Feel Better” is a nationwide program that offers women undergoing cancer treatments hands-on beauty techniques to help overcome the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. It is a partnership of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association. It is free of charge, product neutral and nonmedical.

When women attend “Look Good…Feel Better,” they are given a free beauty kit filled with cosmetics that they use during the session; this is their gift to take home and use with the techniques they’ve learned. Techniques include: application of natural-looking eyebrows, concealing skin discolorations and scarf-tying to cover their heads.

The free gift is wonderful, but the women also come for support, for something tangible to help them get through one

of the toughest times in their lives. The support they get is through camaraderie with other participants and the empowerment of improving their appearance, which in turn affects self-image. They gain a sense of control over their appearance at a time when they seem to have no control over other things, such as hair loss, changes in skin pigmentation (color, texture, itchiness, flaking) and weight loss or weight gain.

In my 2½ years as a “Look Good…Feel Better” volunteer, I have had amazing moments with these courageous women. I have laughed, cried, rejoiced and reflected. It’s called “Look Good…Feel Better” for a reason, and I don’t think a more appropriate name could have been chosen.

There’s a name that continues to be praised by grateful patients in these sessions, not only because of his referral to the “Look Good…Feel Better” class, but also for the care and compassion that he gives: Dr. Bangalore.

Two other names have also been mentioned for their great care and referral to the program: Dr. John Mast and Dr. Duc Nguyen. I thank these doctors and Sutter Tracy Community Hospital for their support of these wonderful, strong warriors in their time of uncertainty and need, and for their referrals to “Look Good…Feel Better.”

It’s just what the doctor ordered.

n “Look Good … Feel Better” sessions are on the third Tuesday of every month at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital. For more information on attending a session or becoming a volunteer, call 941-2679or visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

n Sue Mudd is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.