Therapy Dog Is Best Makeover Assistant for Women with Cancer

Navigating cancer treatment ranks among the most difficult challenges one can face. Enduring the draining effects of chemotherapy and the multitude of doctor's visits and surgeries, it's truly remarkable to witness the unwavering strength exhibited by the courageous women who are undergoing cancer treatment.

One person who is all too familiar with the strength of these women is June Bleich, who founded The Basic Six, an organization that holds free bilingual sessions with licensed cosmetologists who have experience with women in treatment. The Basic Six does this with June's bilingual therapy dog, Molly.

The Basic Six team performs an easy six-step beauty routine designed to address the beauty issues affecting women with cancer the most. They also teach the techniques and provide the supplies for the women to use at home. Molly's attendance at these sessions allows women to relax and feel comfortable at a time when they feel their most fragile. She engages everyone with great energy. She is calm, but she makes sure each person in the room gets love and attention as she approaches with her tail wagging for pets or gentle play.

Molly has been trained and knowns commands in both English and Spanish, and she also knows a few hand signals.She passed her therapy dog certification exam when she was just a little over one year.

As June and the other founding members were putting together The Basic Six, June found out that her own daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Now June says she has an even stronger drive to work with Molly and provide this free service in order to help women with their mental health and self-esteem.

June says, "I have always felt that for one to be successful in life they should over time re-invent themselves. I find that especially true for women. I have had the luxury of being able to do just that. After finishing my stint as a stay-at-home mom and wife, I decided that it was time to create my legacy and pursue what I've put on hold, philanthropy. I volunteered for organizations that not only filled my heart, but those that offered personal challenges for me along with my four-legged bilingual therapy dog, Molly and her teacher-mentor Guillermo Roa.My association with each organization provided me with a doctoral degree in the human condition. But, after working as Long Island's volunteer coordinator for a program at the American Cancer Society, I came to realize that my degree has to be used that much more. And so, with my three brilliant partners, The Basic Six, Inc. was created. A woman's way to beauty and empowerment during life's challenges. "

How Therapy Dogs Help Cancer Patients

The National Foundation for Cancer Research explains that cancer can cause depression and feelings of isolation. Another study found that cancer patients who spent time with a therapy dog prior to treatment reported improved emotional and social well-being, even while their physical well-being was in decline during chemotherapy.

Spending time with a dog and petting a dog releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, and it also reduces the stress hormone cortisol. This can also help lower blood pressure.

Dogs love us unconditionally, offer nonjudgemental company, and help us cope with anxiety, fear and depression.

We can't think of a better helper than beautiful Molly who offers so much support to the women who need it most.

If you would like more information on Molly and The Basic Six, you can visit their website here.

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