Blog | Facing Cancer Together

Empowered by knowledge and support

“I am not the same young woman I was when I was first diagnosed – I am 100% confident in who I am. But back then, I needed the help.”

This holiday season, you can help women facing cancer, like Yasmin and Eleanor, by making a gift to Look Good Feel Better. Until December 31st, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. will match all donations – doubling the impact of your gift – so that even more women will be empowered through the knowledge and support offered at an LGFB workshop.

Dec. 12, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

Know that you are never alone

This May, a year after she first heard the words ‘breast cancer’ from her doctor and underwent a lumpectomy, Laura was devastated to learn that she had been re-diagnosed – stage 4 triple negative.

Her best friend Jess had gone with her to the appointment, which was Laura’s one-year screening.

Dec. 9, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

A single gift can support two women facing cancer

Last year, Katie and Karie were sitting in a room with eight other women of various ages and backgrounds – all who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Katie and Karie had never met before, each travelling from different treatment centres to attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop. Both young women had just begun losing their hair during chemotherapy and were eager to learn how to manage these changes, before the hair loss affected their eyelashes and brows.

It’s easy to forget how much of our identity is related to our physical appearance – but at such a …

Nov. 21, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

Katie's Story: "I share so that others can receive the same support."

Last spring, Katie was playing soccer when she got elbowed in her left breast. Reacting to the hit, she brought her hand to her chest – instantly feeling a lump. At only thirty-years-old, cancer was not something that crossed Katie’s mind. She was concerned about the lump, but she assumed it had formed because of the trauma to the area from her soccer injury. 

Over the next couple months, the lump grew larger, harder and had started to feel painful. At the urging of a friend, Katie went to the hospital to get it checked out. Within a few hours …

Sept. 27, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

“Make it absolutely beautiful”: A story of epic self love through cancer

Leisse Wilcox lives by the motto, “Take whatever it is that happened to shape you throughout your life, and make it your own. Make it make sense. Make it serve a purpose. Make it absolutely beautiful.”

Although a self-proclaimed ‘relentless optimist’ and advocate for self-love, Leisse confesses that being diagnosed with breast cancer last August, just a week before her 37^th birthday, was an unexpected and trying test of these beliefs.

Aug. 7, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

“Why we WINK”: Employees inspired by peer

Fifteen years ago, Aida was 30 years old, with a 6-month-old son and had just been diagnosed with cancer.

The diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma was devastating. Having a new baby at home and learning to navigate life as a new mother as well as a cancer patient was the hardest thing Aida had ever done. As much as the treatment was physically and mentally taking its toll, she was surprised to find another thing weighing on her – the changes to her appearance.

June 12, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

Finding friendships through cancer: "They just get it."

As a nurse, Shelley has been helping patients navigate their health for years. But when she was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 1C breast cancer in the summer of 2017, she was thrust into a system she had spent years a part of – in a very different experience.

April 16, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

“Take it day-by-day. Do what’s best for you.”

One year ago, Jennie had just returned to her hometown of Napanee, Ontario, after a year teaching English in the UK. She was 25-years-old and was supply teaching locally when she came down with what she thought was the flu. Living in a town without a walk-in clinic, she made a trip to the ER after becoming concerned with how tired and short of breath she was feeling. 

March 29, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

Behind the LGFB Breast Care Program

We surveyed women with breast cancer, like Yasmin, Eleanor and Julie, and found more than 60 percent weren't aware of the best options and fittings for post-surgery, treatment, and recovery. LGFB wants to change that. With the help of Anita Canada, LGFB has launched a new breast care component of the workshops, providing women with the information and support they need.
 

March 22, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj

Grit & Grace: Another year of 'Just one more rep' for women with cancer

After raising a tremendous $12,000 in support of Look Good Feel Better last year, Grit & Grace is back this February 2nd with an even bigger goal: $25,000 for women facing cancer and 1,000,000m rowed, for Laura.

Jan. 14, 2019 | by Benita Hensraj