On Friday, surrounded by family and friends, Ms. Mares’ service to the project was recognized with the presentation of the 2007 Look Good … Feel Better Sunrise Award.
Ms. Mares was selected from a group of 700 participating cosmetologists in a division that includes Texas and four other states.
Look Good … Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program where volunteer cosmetologists teach women undergoing cancer treatment how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories.
The Sunrise Award is presented to one volunteer from Texas who demonstrates a willingness to work with patients, assumes an active role in the program, actively works to raise awareness of the program in their community and is recognized as a knowledgeable source of information about the program for other volunteers.
Ms. Mares said she has seen a lot of bravery while working with Look Good … Feel Better clients.
“They have so much courage and they are what keeps me going,” she said. “They inspire me every day.”
“Volunteers like Yolanda give women with cancer the confidence to face the world while undergoing cancer treatment,” said Velma Perez, community manager of health initiatives, American Cancer Society.
Ms. Mares said she has been changed by her work with the Look Good … Feel Better program.
“I have met countless women and their families who are bound by unfortunate common threads,” she said. “They have all been dealt a hand that unites them as fighters with the ultimate goal of surviving.”
Ms. Mares said that even though she has not walked in the women’s shoes, she has shared in their fight.
While Look Good … Feel Better is not a cure, it does give women with cancer an escape and contributes to the women’s sense of self-worth, lifts their spirits and aids in recovery, she said.
Local volunteers hold Look Good … Feel Better sessions about once a month at the Temple Ronald McDonald House.
There are usually four to six women at each session with participants coming from all of the surrounding counties, Ms. Perez said.
Larry Groseclose, Karen Dungan and Christi Ming, all with Fountain of Beauty, were also honored during the Friday event for their involvement in the Look Good … Feel Better program.
jgibbs@temple-telegram.com
