Connie Franco (Caregiver)

Brother: Martin Franco (Colon Rectal Cancer)

I have been involved with the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group since mid 2006. When I found out that my brother, Martin had colon rectal cancer, I was in shock. I felt overwhelmed, because I knew how serious cancer was. The first two years of Martin’s treatments, I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions, which, in part, was caused by a fear of the unknown. One day Martin asked me to go to the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group meeting with him. He knew that cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed, but affects the whole family. After going to the cancer support group meeting, I realized what a great need there was to help people who were recovering from cancer. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I offered to provide the cancer support group members with haircuts and manicures. At one of the meetings, a speaker from the American Cancer Society told us about a service they have called “Look Good Feel Good” program, which is set up to assist people who have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy, with how to wear wigs and scarves and to use makeup so that they will maintain a sense of beauty and esteem while going through their treatments. I have since gone through that training. read more…

What I have learned along the way is how important it is bring a sense of normalness to the life of those you love who have cancer.
Conniefranco64@yahoo.com