HASTINGS — A Hastings cosmetologist is being honored for her volunteer work with cancer patients through the Look Good Feel Better program at the Morrison Cancer Center.
Representatives of the American Cancer Society, Mary Lanning Healthcare and the Morrison Cancer Center will present Melody Iliff of Hastings with the National Sunrise Award for Outstanding Service at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 14. The presentation will take place at the MCC, 815 N. Kansas Avenue, at the start of Iliff’s regular workshop for cancer patients.
Christine Bleich, Mission Delivery Manager for the American Cancer Society, and Lisa Dirks, MCC Patient Intake Coordinator, nominated Iliff for the award. Iliff was one of five people to receive the national award in the Society’s High Plains Division (Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Hawaii).
The Look Good Feel Better program teaches patients how to style their hair, apply makeup and address skin-related side effects during their cancer treatment so they feel better about themselves.
Dirks said Iliff is a valuable member of the Look Good Feel Better team at the MCC. “Her enthusiasm and passion for our patients is top notch,” Dirks said.
“She is committed to giving each patient a wonderful experience and ensure they leave the class feeling confident and beautiful. Patients always walk out of Melody’s class glowing and smiling. What a wonderful feeling considering what they are facing!”
Iliff, who owns VIBESalon in Hastings, said she is honored by the award.
“Though I am honored, I am even more humbled to be in the presence of the patients whom I serve,” she said. “I look forward to each and every class that we host at the Morrison Cancer Center. No matter what type of day or week I am having, I always leave the cancer center feeling inspired by the strength and courage of these women.”
During her five years as a Look Good Feel Better volunteer, Iliff said, the MCC staff has always treated her with respect and friendliness.
The Look Good Feel Better program is made possible in the U.S. through a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association. These three organizations have worked together for 26 years to improve the morale, confidence and quality of life for women during cancer treatment, offering a sense of normalcy and control during an often difficult and challenging time. Look Good Feel Better serves approximately 50,000 women each year in 15,000 workshops offered in 2,100 host facilities, as well as offering online and virtual services and support.
Look Good Feel Better is a free public service program that helps individuals with cancer improve their self-esteem, appearance and confidence by helping them to deal with the appearance side effects of cancer treatment. The program offers free workshops, and online and virtual support that include lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, accessories and styling… helping people with cancer to find some normalcy in a life that is by no means normal. It is offered through a collaborative effort of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the charitable arm of the trade group representing the cosmetics and beauty industry; the American Cancer Society, the nation’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives from cancer; and the Professional Beauty Association, the largest organization of salon professionals with members representing salons/spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals. For more information, visit the website at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 1- 800-395-LOOK. Look Good Feel Better is a registered trademark of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation.