– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is the fourth in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
One of my dear friends has just fought and won the battle of her life: she has survived a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. Many nights we would sit for hours alone in the final hours of the local mall and she would tell me every single harrowing detail of the grueling ordeal of chemotherapy. Aside from the disease, how could any human being survive the treatment? I thought. I remember her saying that any relief, any comfort, any kindness was a godsend at that time. A very compassionate local professional is giving cancer patients the essential caring and soothing treatments so badly needed. Alana Delcourt provides a calming oasis where clients can begin to recover from the storm.
A licensed esthetician since 2000, Alana is the owner/operator of Fresh Esthetics Studio in Sidney. Passionate about her work, the very soft-spoken and warm professional is committed to perfecting her craft through learning new skills. Alana has an Advanced Certificate in the field of Oncology Esthetics. “Oncology Estheticians’ services complement conventional cancer treatments. The purpose is not to treat the cancer itself but to treat the person as a whole. Complementary therapies help a person cope with cancer, its treatment or side effects and to feel better.” (The International Society of Oncology Estheticians, www.oesociety.net). Oncology Estheticians can provide services such as skin consultations and customized facials, apply effective and clinically safe skin care products, provide massage therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and bra and wig fitting. Their intensive training includes topics such as understanding cancer, learning about different types of surgery and treatments, and how the diagnosis impacts someone’s life and mental health.
Alana’s choice of profession was no coincidence: “I lost my mom to a disease very similar to cancer and I do have a unique understanding of the physical and emotional challenges of cancer patients, survivors, and those with other health challenges. This experience helped me recognize that people living with, recovering from and surviving cancer require special treatment and led me to become certified in Oncology Esthetics. I spent lots of time in the hospital with my mom caring for her and I realized that sometimes patients prefer a nurturing and ‘loving’ touch.” Alana’s treatments boost well-being: “If people are stressed, this is a way for them to decompress. People learn how to take good care of themselves.”
Standard treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy can be brutal to the skin – causing it to become inflamed, irritated, itchy or dry. Alana: “This is one of the challenges that I want to help alleviate, and give comfort and relief.” She uses products that are safe, specifically made for her clients with cancer, and that help protect and soothe, “giving skin a lift.” However, the benefits to clients go much deeper than the skin: “Many studies show that the power of touch, such as through a facial or massage, can help reduce pain, improve mood and reduce fatigue in cancer patients. Clients feel pampered and taken care of by someone who understands.” Alana also treats “health-challenged” skin that has been compromised by other illnesses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune disorders, hormonal disruptions and allergies.
“People are ultra-sensitive and vulnerable when they have cancer,” confides my friend. Alana provides the gentle caring that people need: “I want my clients to feel comfortable knowing they will receive a safe treatment given with compassion and understanding. I realize and understand the many levels of sensitivity that cancer patients experience, and will respectfully tailor your treatment with that in mind. To top it off, you’ll leave your treatment feeling relaxed, cared for and beautiful!”
My friend has emerged from the worst hell imaginable, with battle scars but happy to be still in the ring. This article is dedicated to her and all the other courageous survivors who walk among us.
Contact: www.fresh-studio.ca.
