Donna Kris, Nevada's Only Certified Oncology Esthetics Skin Therapist, Reaches Out to Local Cancer Patients

Online, April 4, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Bringing hope and comfort to cancer patients in Las Vegas, Donna Kris, a licensed esthetician, is now serving and educating the community as Nevada's only Certified Oncology Esthetics® skin therapist. This unique training enables Kris to provide esthetic services to those patients whose skin is affected by cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, biotherapy and hormone therapy. Cancer-fighting drugs prescribed to target the fast-growing cancer cells, can have an adverse effect on other fast-growing cells, like those of skin, nails and hair.

"There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in my line of work," said Kris, who is also a Healing Touch practitioner of more than 11 years and 2nd-Level Reiki practitioner. "I support my clients with relaxing treatments based on what their bodies need and can handle at the time of treatment. This might include treatment of their burning, itching, dry skin, or simply a relaxing application of soothing lotion."

Kris's interest in the field of oncology esthetics was born when her husband was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. Kris helped to care for his skin as he underwent more than 22 radiation treatments, gaining a personal and practical hands-on understanding of how a cancer patient's skin reacts to these treatments.

With this valuable background, Kris not only offers private treatment to clients, but also provides complimentary services and education to cancer patients in the community. Once a month, Kris reaches out to cancer patients and survivors through her Look Good Feel Better class. This class, which is part of the American Cancer Society's national public service program, teaches attendees how to care for dry skin and discolored nails, along with offering tips on selecting and applying makeup, wigs, hats and scarves. The class meets on the first Monday of each month from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Caring Place at 4425 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, and at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada location at 3730 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV.

Kris also offers complimentary 90-minute sessions to new oncology clients in order to help them better understand the resources available to them through products, self-care and skin therapy services. She believes that, once a patient experiences her unique care, he or she will feel the physical and psychological benefits that come with oncology skin care treatment. She has also established a free Meetup group called "Skin Care Education—During and After Cancer Treatment" for any cancer patients seeking cost-free education about how to take care of their skin.
"When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they have to give up their lives to weeks of appointments for chemotherapy and/or radiation, in addition to the previous professional or family commitments," Kris explained. "I encourage people looking into my services to consider time with me as a respite from medical or therapeutic appointments. This can be their 'just for me' time - an appointment to receive gentle touch and temporarily slip away from all their pressures and concerns. I want them to feel cared for and supported in their healing."