Free Facial Tattoos Offered to Cancer Survivors at B.C. Hospital

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the recovery and self-esteem of cancer survivors, Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, British Columbia, has launched the Facial Aesthetic Medical Tattoo Program. This program provides free skin color-matching tattoos for patients recovering from cancers that affect the face, neck, and throat. Malcolm Matheson, a grandfather of six and a recent recipient of this service, exemplifies the program's profound impact on patient recovery and self-image.

Matheson underwent extensive surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his neck and face, which included skin grafting from his arm to repair the damage. After his surgery, he was presented with the option to receive a tattoo that would blend his grafted skin with the surrounding area. "I never wanted a tattoo, and when I told my granddaughter I was getting one on my face, she was surprised," Matheson stated, reflecting on his initial reluctance. However, he decided to embrace the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being for his family.

The program, spearheaded by Sandi Saunier, a surgical nurse at Eagle Ridge Hospital, began in 2009 with the introduction of an areola tattoo clinic for breast cancer patients. Over the years, Saunier has tattooed areolae on approximately 1,400 breast cancer survivors and has recently expanded her expertise to include facial tattoos. "When people look in the mirror, they see this visible reminder of how they’ve survived cancer. It’s gratifying to help them feel better about themselves after enduring multiple surgeries and treatments," Saunier explained.

The tattoo sessions typically last up to two hours and are performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Funding for the program comes from the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, which emphasizes the program's role in fostering confidence, dignity, and identity among cancer survivors. Kristina Chung, Executive Director of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, highlighted the importance of this service as a crucial step in the healing journey: "For many patients, this program is the final step in their recovery journey—when they start to feel like themselves again."

Despite the tattoos being exposed to sunlight and other elements, which may necessitate touch-ups, the service offers significant psychological benefits to patients. Matheson noted, "It’s probably not the skull and crossbones my granddaughter was expecting, but wow, it looks great," after receiving his tattoo enhancement, showcasing the positive emotional transformation that such initiatives can inspire.

The Facial Aesthetic Medical Tattoo Program is available to cancer patients across the Lower Mainland, contingent upon a referral from their surgical team. For more information on supporting this transformative initiative, interested parties can contact Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation at 604-469-3128 or visit their website.

This innovative approach not only addresses the physical scars left by cancer but also acknowledges the emotional and psychological wounds that often accompany such life-altering battles. As hospitals continue to explore holistic approaches to patient care, programs like this serve as a beacon of hope and recovery for many individuals seeking to reclaim their identities after illness.