News Releases
Teens With Cancer Rock San Francisco On A “Girls’ Day Out”
"Hot pink limo and makeovers? I'm there," said one teen
For Release: August 11, 2009
Palo Alto, Calif. -- Should I get my hair done? Maybe a facial? Perhaps a makeup session?These are some of the tough decisions a group of very special teens will have to make when they roll into the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology for a “Girls’ Day Out” this Thursday (13). The twelve girls, all oncology patients who’ve been treated at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, are benefiting from an extraordinary and life-affirming program called CHEERS, which allows kids at various stages of illness to meet, have fun and forge important new friendships.
Bonding through shared experience is important therapy. “A teenage girl with cancer not only has to face the huge mental and emotional impact of her diagnosis, but also the effects on her appearance,” said Tovah LeWinter, oncology social worker at Packard Children’s. “These teens have lost hair and some have had feeding tubes and even wheelchairs. But a “Girls’ Day Out” provides an opportunity to be with others who understand these challenges, all the while enjoying a day of beauty and fun.”
Destinee File is ready. “I’m really excited to be doing this,” said the 17-year-old senior from Watsonville, CA, “and to have the chance to meet new friends and share our experiences.” Destinee spent five months in treatment at Packard Children’s in 2008. “I’m also looking forward to learning about cosmetology,” added Destinee, who’s thinking about cosmetology or fashion as a career. “For girls like me, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“It’s certainly a day these teens won’t forget,” said Vanessa Ya Lopez, child life and recreation therapy specialist at Packard Children’s. “Not only are they traveling in a pink limousine, but they’re receiving sparkling cider and roses, hitting the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, and maybe even touring the Golden Gate Bridge.” Lopez and child life specialist Michelle Ball have been organizing this first-of-its-kind trip, continuing the tradition of other CHEERS events, which have included kayaking, concerts and sporting events.
The Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology is donating their services. “Our goal is to help these young ladies feel beautiful and pampered,” said Robyn Parrish, placement leader at the Institute, “regardless of what stage of treatment they may be in. We think it’s all very exciting.”
CHEERS stands for Children Having Exceptional Educational and Recreational Support, and was organized in 1986 by two Stanford students. The highly successful program is coordinated by the Child Life and Recreation Therapy team at Packard Children’s. This “Girls’ Day Out” is being sponsored by the 19 for Life Foundation, which was created to honor the life and gifts of the late DJ Frandsen. "We'd like to thank the Foundation and Institute for providing the opportunity for these girls to create memories and have experiences that every girl deserves," said Ball.
So, if you’re out and about Thursday and see a 34-ft, hot pink limo tooling down the road with a “Girls Rock” sign on the side, you’ll know who’s inside. “We’ll be having a great time,” said Lopez, who had only one concern about the day. “I just hope we can find parking.”
About Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Ranked as one of the nation's best pediatric hospitals by U.S.News & World Report, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is a 312-bed hospital devoted to the care of children and expectant mothers. Providing pediatric and obstetric medical and surgical services and associated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, Packard Children's offers patients locally, regionally and nationally the full range of health care programs and services, from preventive and routine care to the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness and injury. For more information, visit www.lpch.org.
About SFIEC
The San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology is a Paul Mitchell Partner School offering comprehensive programs for students preparing for the California state board exam in Cosmetology, Esthetics or Manicuring as well as licensed professionals wanting advanced training. For new students the curriculum is designed to prepare them with the skills they need to become successful professionals in today's competitive salon and spa market. For the licensed professional, The Institute is dedicated to providing programs that support the lifelong learning process and need to stay current in the rapidly changing environment of Esthetics and Cosmetology.
Media Contact
Robert Dicksrdicks@lpch.org
(650) 387-7500