JoAn Niceley is not a doctor or a researcher, but she has dedicated her life's work to the fight against breast cancer after having been diagnosed with the disease in 2002.
This October, she will be a four-year survivor, and will participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 5k walk to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. "I am looking forward to Strides," she says. "I support any event that helps eradicate this disease and ease the suffering of breast cancer patients."
Because JoAn knows firsthand the determination necessary to get through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, she has become an invaluable volunteer with the American Cancer Society - and has taken on a few projects of her own.
JoAn uses her skills as a cosmetologist by facilitating "Look Good Feel Better," a program created by the American Cancer Society. During "Look Good Feel Better" sessions, JoAn teaches patients how to combat the cosmetic side effects of cancer treatments. To most women, hair loss is the most devastating aspect of cancer, so JoAn uses her personal and professional experience to assist patients in fitting wigs, scarves, and hats.
JoAn's latest project is a cookbook entitled Appetite for Living, which she describes more as a story of her cancer experience with recipes thrown in for good measure. Readers will learn who inspired her to work with wigs for cancer patients at her hair studio in Long Beach, mixed in with recipes from her friends, family, and fellow survivors. All proceeds from Appetite for Living benefit the "Pink Heart Fund," an account JoAn created to offer financial support to cancer patients who cannot afford wigs and head coverings.
"I've lost five of my close friends to cancer since my diagnosis, so the cookbook is in honor of them," said JoAn. "Hopefully many women will reap the benefits of its sale through the Pink Heart Fund."
