Huttig receives Cancer Society award

by Jan Richards

Huttig received the Sunrise award from the American Cancer Society for her work as an instructor in the "Look Good/Feel Better Program." The program was started by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic Toiletries Foundation and the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association to help cancer patients with their appearance and emotional well being.

Huttig started classes before the cancer society program was originated to help people going through treatments in hospitals and in her salon. She volunteered her services after a very close friend died from cancer.

She teaches patients how to apply makeup, skin care treatment and how to wear wigs to enhance cancer patients’ appearances. Each patient receives a mirror, along with a complimentary gift package of nationally known makeup, moisturizers, sunscreen, cleansers, eye shadow, lipstick, foundation, under eye concealers and Q tips. Huttig selected volunteer patients to demonstrate how to wear makeup, then several wigs are tried on until the right one is found. Once everything is in place, a beautiful woman emerges. Patients watching the demonstration witness the transformation with tears in their eyes, clapping.

Huttig was the hairdresser for George Peppard and Christine in the film, "Banacek." She has designed hair pieces and awarded winning Vogue doll gowns. She trained two contestants for the Miss America title in how to style their own hair and apply makeup, one became first runner up.

Her cancer society Sunrise Award takes its place with a Hairdresser of the Year award, and Massachusetts Cosmetologist of the year award, presented by the National Hairdresser’s Association, plus several other awards.