J. has been a dedicated volunteer for the Look Good...Feel Better program since 2009, committing to over 17 classes across multiple locations. She is always willing to fill in at short notice when regular facilitators cannot make classes. J. goes out of her way to ensure patients feel comfortable and supported, and has initiated several innovative programs to enhance the services provided. Her strong commitment, flexibility, and caring spirit have greatly benefited the Look Good...Feel Better program.

1. Since J. joined the Look Good…Feel Better in November 2009, she has brought a
generous and caring spirit to every class. She has committed to over 17 classes in over
three locations around the county, ready and willing to fill in at spots where the
program does not have a regular facilitator. J. will complete seven additional classes
through the end of August 2011, unless of course we need her help with more!
We know we can ask J. in an emergency, she has always been willing to step in and
take a class when a regular facilitator cannot make it. She stays in contact with office
staff, and offers frequently to fill in when she is needed. In February 2011 she
conducted a class for nine women when our regular teacher was too ill, and she made
some suggestions that will possibly help that site improve it’s logistics.
J. has a busy life, and she doesn’t bring this up, but staff know she has often altered her
children’s schedule and found someone to assist them in getting to school so she could
assist with Look Good…Feel Better classes. She is always concerned about the
feelings of the patients and has contacted Society staff to let us know if a patient needs
extra information or services. She is very aware of how the patients are doing during
class and goes out of her way to make people more comfortable.
Her heart is in the right place, but she knows the importance of tracking and program
policies. Her paperwork is always returned to the Society in a timely manner without
staff needing to follow-up.
J. initiated a program at her salon and a local cancer center where survivors can donate
their hats, scarves, wigs, etc., to be utilized as display items. She collected enough that
we were able to send items out to bolster other facilitator’s kits in several area Look
Good…Feel Better classes. This is a great example of how J. innovates and looks for
ways to enhance the program for all patients.
Early in her volunteer career, J. contacted staff and asked if she and some friends could
wear Look Good…Feel Better t-shirts to advertise the program at work and at other
local cancer-related events. We were proud to have her wear her Look Good…Feel
Better gear, and we know she was proud, too!
J. not only upholds the policies of the program in a professional and caring manner,
you can tell she loves volunteering and serving women in treatment. The Western
Region is proud to nominate J. Valentic for the 2011 Sunrise Award.