People know that Wellness House is a blessing for participants, but I don’t think people know how much of a blessing it is for those of us who volunteer here,” Gayle Perzek commented while reflecting on her history of volunteering at Wellness House.
Gayle, the only child of a thirty-one year breast cancer survivor, was drawn to Wellness House because of her experience of growing up in a home where her family had to adjust to the reality of living with a life-threatening illness. Grateful that her mom beat the odds, Gayle wanted to give back.
In June of 2006, Gayle began her volunteer efforts by being the first person participants saw when they walked into Wellness House. She worked the front desk, answering phones, and directing people to programs. Every Thursday afternoon, Gayle warmly greeted people at various places on the cancer continuum, easing them into Wellness House by making them feel at home from the moment they stepped foot inside.
In 2008, wanting to do more, Gayle began facilitating the “Look Good Feel Better (LGFB)” program, that teaches women beauty techniques and make-up application tips that can help them improve their appearance while going through cancer treatment. This “hands-on” experience put Gayle in regular direct contact with participants, essentially becoming an extension of the staff, in helping women boost their self-image.
Gayle comes to the class without make-up and demonstrates on herself. According to Gayle, “By putting the make-up on myself as I talk women through putting makeup on themselves, each person feels more comfortable. We no longer have observers; everyone gets into the act.”
In 2011, Gayle expanded her work with participants by spearheading the process to create a “Wig Boutique,” . Since then, Gayle has personally fitted wigs on hundreds of women who have gone through the devastation of losing their hair due to chemotherapy. As one might guess, the appointment itself can be a very emotional experience. Gayle’s natural, warm, empathic style creates a healing experience for these women and they walk out our doors transformed.
Shortly after one of Gayle’s wig appointments with a woman just diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer who was unable to afford a wig, the executive director received this email from the family member that brought her to the appointment:
I wanted to thank you again for all your help…./ kept waiting for “the catch” and there was none…. have to admit I was probably just as apprehensive as my sister-in-law was on Wednesday but as soon as we entered Wellness House we knew we were in good, kind hands… Gayle was so darling, I can’t say enough about her. She made us feel like we knew her forever, just being so matter of fact. You don’t need me to tell you what wonderful work you are doing over there.”
Gayle has a unique gift of reducing fear and anxiety, making people feel at home and fills an important and need of helping women feel good about their appearance. Now Gayle is an important part of an expanded program call Unique Boutique.
