Norman Regional Health System

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

A cosmetologist who helps cancer patients through the Look Good Feel Better program was recently honored with the organization's Sunrise Award. The prestigious Sunrise Award is given to exceptional volunteers who go above and beyond to make the program enjoyable for all who attend.

"What an honor," Clare Borelli said. "This is my passion. I want to make (a cancer patient's) travels a little lighter."

Clare began volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in 2000. Christine Vergis, mission delivery specialist with the American Cancer Society, said Clare always goes the extra mile for her sessions. She brings extra tools, includes information about combating cancer treatment side effects, and talks about how to use a color palate. Clare also sometimes brings bright purple or pink wigs to make the sessions fun.

Clare became a cosmetologist in 1972 and also was a teacher. Besides helping with Look Good Feel Better, her other passion is her dogs.

Norman Regional Health System teams up with the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association and the Personal Care Products Council Foundation to offer cancer patients in Cleveland County the Look Good… Feel Better program. The free program enlists the help of licensed cosmetologists from the Moore/Norman area to teach cancer patients in active treatment how to cope with the changes in their appearance. These cosmetologists donate their time and skills to help women with everything from filling in an eyebrow lines to finding a wig or other hair accessories that works best, all done in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.