Making Strides Against Breast Cancer During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FOUNTAIN VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As a proud sponsor of the American Cancer Society's 'Making Strides against Breast Cancer' 5K walk in Orange County, CBS2/KCAL9 brings you stories of women coping with the disease throughout the month.

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can be taxing. Side effects include hair loss, fatigue and pain. One big concern for the patients is maintaining their appearance.

That's where Look Good Feel Better comes in. Put together by the American Cancer Society and two beauty organizations, the charity's mission is to improve the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing cancer treatments by offering free beauty sessions.

Joan O'Haney has been a volunteer for years at MemorialCare Cancer Institute in Fountain Valley.

"Years ago when we first started doing the program, the emphasis was on wigs. People were really concerned about losing their hair. Now, the emphasis seems to be on eyebrows," O'Haney said.

Before her breast cancer diagnosis, Kimberly Lubers did not care much about makeup. But now, she is taking advantage of the program more for the bonding with other women.

"Just for the camaraderie. Just to know somebody cares that you're not alone in this, that there are people out there. The cancer center has been amazing," Lubers said.

The Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center has a wig bank, one of several in Southern California, where any woman undergoing cancer treatment can go to get fitted not only for a wig, but also for a head cover.

Italia Lee is starting her first round of chemotherapy after having a double mastectomy.

She said: "As a breast cancer survivor as myself, you're going through so much at the same time that is overwhelming. So any help that you can get from others is really wonderful. It's very empowering."

The Making Strides against Breast Cancer 5K walk happens in Costa Mesa. CBS2/KCAL9's Michele Gile and Chief Meteorologist Josh Rubenstein will be on hand.

Come walk with us. Click here for more details and to register.

For more information, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/orangecounty or call (949) 567-0608.

For cancer information, please call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.