Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff and his wife Gayle faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006 that would radically impact their lives as well as that of countless other cancer patients.

Determined to help his wife feel beautiful throughout her cancer treatment, Dr. Brinkenhoff developed a lash conditioning serum, designed to fortify and restore health to lashes. Today, Athena Cosmetics has developed a number of products that help women feel more confident by preserving and enhancing their own lashes and brows.

In partnership with the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, Athena Cosmetics has committed to a two-year $100,000 grant to offer Scalp Cooling Caps to local cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, who are identified as eligible for the protocol.

The cold cap system is designed for use during a patient’s cancer treatment and help prevent the loss of hair on the head by shutting down the hair follicle.

Kits are sent to a patient’s home, and the patients bring the materials with them to their appointments. Staff are trained to assist patients put on the cap and hook up the system, which usually requires a patient to stay for an additional hour following treatment.

Scalp cooling allows patients to move throughout their days without calling attention to the fact that they are going through cancer treatment.

“We understand the value of retaining as much normalcy as possible throughout cancer treatment, which is a daily challenge as it is,” said Lori Willis, executive director. “We believe this is a small way to help patients preserve their self-image and feel that their identity has not been taken from them. It helps them feel like themselves.

“This generous gift from Athena Cosmetics makes the scalp cooling program available to all patients, as it is not covered by insurance or Medicare.”

Beyond their serums and beauty products, Athena Cosmetics is committed to supporting breast cancer research, education, and programs in honor of Gayle Brinkenhoff.

For more about the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, visit www.cfsb.org.