By Staff
LOOKING GOOD Beverly McLain, and her husband, Bennie, plan to travel to the Bahamas after she successfully fights her cancer. Beverly said she has felt better since attending the "Look Good … Feel Better" program this month at the Jeff Anderson Regional Cancer Center. PHOTO BY STEVE GILLESPIE / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Oct. 16, 2002
Beverly McLain, 55, of Philadelphia, covered over all the mirrors in her house after starting her battle with cancer this spring.
She didn't want to see how she felt after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She didn't want to see where clumps of hair was missing from her head. She didn't want to make plans for the future.
Things changed for McLain after the "Look Good … Feel Better" program this month at the Jeff Anderson Regional Cancer Center.
She also said she has grinned ever since.
The program
Volunteers trained by the American Cancer Society teach cancer patients about how to use wigs, as well as skin and make-up products.
Kristi Watkins, 36, did McLain's makeover. A hair stylist for 15 years, Watkins works at The Cuttery in Meridian. The "Look Good … Feel Better" program McLain attended was the first for Watkins.
She said she is encouraging all hair stylists and cosmetologists to become certified for the program.
Feeling good
Brenda Compton, office manager of the cancer center, said McLain had to be helped to the chair for her makeover.
But when it was over, Compton said, McLain walked away on her own carrying herself with more confidence.
She also said being with other cancer patients comforted her.
After her makeover, McLain walked out of the room to meet her husband, Bennie. They were married in December.