Fernanda Casteñeda

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Women from the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre received free oncology facials at Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy in Beaconsfield last week.

The hour-long experience included safe facial treatments and carefully calibrated soft-touch hand and shoulder treatments. Clients laid on their backs with eyes closed listening to meditative music and gentle whispers between students and their teacher supervising each station attentively. Waves of light aroma therapeutic scents filled the dimly lit room.   

Esthetics teacher Tina Mercuri told The Suburban that the facials are designed to help build, strengthen and repair skin, thereby helping to make a difference in the quality of life of individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer. “Over the years, my curiosity and love of learning have led me to continue studying the many facets of skincare and elements that can affect and improve our skin. In pursuing this deeper knowledge, I eventually continued to become an oncology-trained esthetician, propelled by a desire to better help clients affected by cancer. Cancer, and its treatments, can significantly affect skin, causing it to struggle to build a strong, healthy shield to provide comfort and well-being. Providing these facials is one of the many ways we can make a small difference in their lives.”

The patients expressed their gratitude as they were greeted and escorted to their treatment stations and were met with a mirroring sentiment of gratitude from students. Student Fernanda Casteñeda told The Suburban that the experience is rewarding for both the clients and students. “Often people with health conditions are ejected from activities that they enjoy. This is a way for us to be inclusive and help them feel good about themselves by renewing some good energy. My father had cancer and for me this is a way for me to feel helpful and the clients really enjoy it.”