Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Breast cancer survivors from the After Breast Cancer (ABC) program at the YMCA enjoyed a night of styling and pampering, courtesy of the dedicated students of Miller-Motte Technical College (MMTC).

During the Nov. 20 Survivor Spa Day, these brave women were treated to manicures, hairstyles, facials, and massages. This is the event’s third year, and the women in the program look forward to this special night.

“We’ve been coming here for three years, and a lot of us like to get together,” said Leslie Masters. “We’ve seen each other throughout our treatments, so it’s nice to take this time just for ourselves.”

Lois Jones, Associate Director of Career Services for MMTC, said her students are absolutely thrilled to give these services to the survivors. “We are so fortunate to be able to offer these services to these ladies who have already gone through so much. It’s such a highlight when they walk in with big smiles and big hugs, and just a shared joy in being able to treat them well. It’s our privilege to be able to do this,” she said.

Some of the women have attended every year since the event’s inception, and others have filtered in over the years. Any member of the ABC program was invited to join, completely free of charge.

Coordinator of the ABC program, Tracy Billingsley, was glad to see the camaraderie amongst the women. As a survivor of breast cancer herself, she understands the importance of gaining strength through friendships with other women who can relate to the struggle.

Billingsley has been fighting breast cancer for several years, and she felt called to lead other women in the area who needed encouragement. “When you walk into a room with other women who have been through breast cancer, it’s just comforting. Everyone in here gets it, and it’s a good support group.”

She said the purpose of the program is to help women let go of their physical and emotional insecurities by accepting who they are and who they can become by fighting. “This is me, and I can get over this bump in the road,” she said.

The women in her group have been anticipating this event for quite some time as a way to relax and unwind. “I’m so glad we can do this for them, because they deserve it,” Billingsley said.

For more information about the ABC program, visit their website.