Tami Floyd-Fogleman has spent the last 25 years volunteering for Look Good Feel Better, an outreach program for women receiving cancer treatment. She was recently honored for her dedicated service by being selected to receive the 2014-2015 National Sunrise Award given by the Professional Beauty Association. Only three cosmetology professionals are selected in the United States each year.
Fogleman is a cosmetologist and owner of Tami and Company Salon in Myrtle Beach. The salon is closed on Mondays and she spends her time on these days scheduling workshops for oncology patients to teach them how to deal with cancer and the effect it has on women, in particular. Patients receive cosmetics for free which are valued at $300 and taught sterilization and sanitation tips. This is important because cancer patients have a lower immunity and can easily catch infections.
Fogleman also trains other volunteers to teach things like dealing with side effects of cancer, selecting head coverings and scarves and clothing options. In addition, she participates in fundraising efforts to raise money for wigs, and helps shave heads and styles wigs for patients.
Local cancer survivors are grateful for the work that Fogleman does. “It seems like it is her whole life. She does everything she can to help people,” says Joni Buckley, a breast cancer survivor. Fronde Merchant from the American Cancer Society Mission Delivery in South Carolina describes Fogleman as a talented cosmetologist who also has a gift of compassion.
Fogleman in turn says she is rewarded with smiles and hugs for her services from both patients and their husbands. One husband called her after his wife passed away and thanked her for making his wife feel special during her illness.
The Look Good Feel Better programs are currently available in all states including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.