Local 14-year cancer survivor wins award
By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason, FCT staff writer
A local cancer survivor took home the statewide award for her efforts to help cancer patients deal with the physical effects of cancer treatment.
Carol Hall, of Phil Campbell, is a 14-year cancer survivor, and also serves as the Lead Cosmetologist for the Look Good, Feel Better program in Franklin County.
Hall was presented the Sunrise Award for the State of Alabama during the Relay For Life Kickoff event held Tuesday evening.
"When she told me that I won, I didn't think of it as being for the whole State of Alabama," Hall said.
Hall added that she was honored to receive the award but admited that she receives a lot more from the program than she gives.
The Sunrise Award is given to volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service in the Look Good, Feel Better program presented by Cosmetic, Fragrance, and Toiletry, National Cosmetology Association and the American Cancer Society.
"The applicants for this award are reviewed by all three organizations so this is really a big award," the American Cancer Society's Beth Faulkner said.
Hall began working with the Look Good, Feel Better program six years ago and helped form the Franklin County branch for four years with the help of Belinda Johnson, CNO at Russellville Hospital, said.
"I first got involved with the American Cancer Society when I was approached to begin the Look Good, Feel Better program at our hospital," Belinda told the audience. "Little did I know that a year later I would be a patient in the program."
In the program, each patient is given a kit of skin care essentials to help them feel better about the way they look. Wigs are also used in the program for women who lose their hair as a result of their cancer treatment.
"I know what these ladies are going through," Hall said. "It is devastating to lose your hair."
The Look Good, Feel Better program currently meets quarterly in Franklin County and meets monthly at other sites including Helen Keller hospital in Sheffield.
Currently Franklin County has three volunteers but the program is in need of more cosmetologists willing to give a couple of hours quarterly to help women battling cancer.
"We have ladies who are unsure about what's going on with their health but they leave feeling better about the situation," Hall said.
The program is a one-time class. Each participant is given a kit and volunteers show participants how to use the products. Patients can return to the program if they have further questions but are asked to bring their kits with them.
The next meeting to the Look Good, Feel Better program will be Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon in the education building at Russellville Hospital.
