Center Helps Patients Hold on to their Identity, Even as Illness Changes their Appearance

As a three-time cancer survivor, Kathy Borgida knows all too well the changes that treatment can cause to a patient’s physical appearance. Most of us understand that cancer can rob a patient of her energy, appetite and strength—but what is less often discussed is the way in which side effects can damage a patient’s self-esteem. For some, it creates anxiety about leaving the house, or socializing with friends and family. “For me, losing my hair and my health was like losing a large part of my identity,” says Kathy, a yoga instructor and resident of Rancho Palos Verdes. “I did not want the weight of wearing my illness day in and day out.”

Kathy began talking with leaders at Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center, where she receives care, about creating a place where patients would be able to access resources, classes and support. The vision for the Image of Hope Center was born, and a team of Kaiser Permanente staff began working with Kathy to plan for the Center’s operations and programming. “The Image of Hope Center is a great example of how important it is that we listen to our patients,” says Lesley Wille, RN and executive director of the South Bay Medical Center. “It is not enough to provide high-quality medical care. We have to treat the whole person, and that includes providing resources that will help patients retain their sense of self.”

In addition to offering scarves, hats and cosmetics, the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” classes will be taught by trained volunteers. Services are available to any South Bay resident experiencing changes to their appearance due to illness, whether or not they are a Kaiser Permanente member.

Kaiser Permanente South Bay will celebrate the grand opening of the Image of Hope Center on Wednesday, July 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. In addition to tours of the space, brief comments will be provided by Kaiser Permanente staff and cancer survivors, including Kathy Borgida. “My goal is for the Image of Hope Center to help patients move forward from their illness with their identity intact,” says Kathy. “It’s not about vanity; it’s about maintaining some sense of normalcy.”