October is NationalBreast Cancer AwarenessMonth and individuals,businesses, and organizationswill be joining together to paintthe nation PINK! The purposeof Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth is to raise awarenessand fund research for themost common cancer amongwomen. Research states that 1in 8 women in America will bestruck with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Sherryl Ford, Founder of Facelogic Int’l, was diagnosed in2005, only six months into realizing her entrepreneurial dreams.She had just opened her first Facelogic Spa when doctors diagnosedher with one of the more aggressive forms of breast cancer.But, Sherryl attacked her disease with the same tenacity she hasfor her business. She endured a lumpectomy, several weeks ofthe most aggressive chemotherapy and a life threatening bloodclot in her neck. She prevailed, fighting the fight against cancerand winning.
After treatment, Sherryl founded the Facelogic Healing HeartFoundation hoping to raise awareness for a different aspect ofthe cause. “Through Facelogic Healing Heart, I want to help easethe emotional trauma that comes from the physical changescaused by breast cancer,” said Ford. “One of my biggest fears waslosing my hair when I underwent chemo. Naturally, this did happenand it was extremely difficult to deal with the reality of whatI was going through.” While in chemo and recovery, she met somany women that were struggling emotionally with the side effectsof breast cancer. The cost of treatments can be overwhelmingand the care associated with recovery requires commitmentfrom an entire family. Even a patient’s self–esteem may be impactedfrom hair loss, skin damage, and lack of energy. These arejust a few of the many challenges that patients and survivors face,but there are programs to provide support.
This October, Facelogic Spas across the nation will be raisingmoney for the foundation through membership and productsales. Facelogic International will contribute the funds to theAmerican Cancer Society “Look Good, Feel Better Program”. Aspart of the program, women are given lessons on post–treatmentskin care, make up lessons, and hair or wig styling. This collaborationwas created from the concept that if someone with cancercan be helped to look good, their improved self–esteem will helpthem approach their disease and treatment with greater confidence.
Another program that local cancer doctors have started iscalled DIVA, which stands for Deriving Inspiration and Vitalitythrough Activity. It is a nutrition and exercise program specificallydesigned to provide women with breast cancer the life–savingopportunity for improved health. The program is based on researchthat shows that women who exercise have lower mortalityfrom breast cancer and less chance for reoccurrence. DIVAprovides a place where patients and survivors can go to exercisetogether and be educated about the important role a low–fat dietand exercise can play in their prognosis and recovery. DIVA isfree to any patient with a breast cancer diagnosis and a new locationfor the program is starting up in Stone Oak this month.
Many retailers, doctors, and schools will be offering ways forthe public to show support for the cause this month. So THINKPINK!
*Facelogic Spa is donating a day of facial services tobreast cancer patients on Sunday, October 26th. Pleasecall 210.248.9415 for information.
