Who We Are
Founded in 2012, Making Over Cancer, also known as Survivor Glam Squad, is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer survivors rebuild their self-esteem through a confidence-boosting makeover experience while providing education and support that helps survivors maintain their quality of life long after they’ve spent the day with us.
Making Over Cancer seeks to restore not only physical appearance but also emotional well-being, giving survivors a renewed sense of hope and pride. Our team of compassionate volunteer professionals works with each participant to create a supportive, uplifting environment where survivors can feel celebrated and cherished.
By fostering a community of strength, resilience, and beauty, Making Over Cancer ensures that every cancer survivor walks away feeling empowered, confident, and ready to face the world with a renewed sense of self-worth.
How We Got Here
2012-2013: The Spark Ignites in Savannah, GA
In 2012, Keely Webster and Jennifer Hagan start a small-scale makeover initiative called Survivor Glam Squad in Savannah, Georgia, driven by their personal journeys and the desire to empower others. Partnering with local salons and makeup artists to offer complimentary makeovers to women facing life challenges, their first makeover proves to be a great success with an unexpected impact that took things to the next level. This led to additional makeovers and the first Diamond Ball being held at The Mackey House.
2014-2018: The Flame Grows
The initiative expands by participating in its first cancer convention in Nashville, TN and grows from there into a national network of salons and beauty professionals. Survivor Glam Squad connects with key partners such as American Cancer Society, Disney, Paul Mitchell, Aveda and Peter Coppola to further the mission. The team begins to travels the country participating in large conventions, workshops, and beauty seminars focused on self-care, beauty, and confidence. In 2016, Survivor Glam Squad also publishes 105 Reasons to Smile, a stunning tribute to 105 extraordinary individuals showcasing their beauty, strength, courage and the transformative power of self-love.
2019-2022: A Segment of Growth and Challenges
The COVID -19 pandemic halts in-person events, causing a temporary pause in operations. The organization pivots to virtual platforms, offering self-care tips and online resources.
2023-2024: Pivoting and Adapting
With the pandemic behind us, the initiative launches a new fundraising platform to support future projects, The Lemonade Apothecary. Adjusting our focus to not only making our survivors feel fabulous and supported, but also incorporating more education around health and promoting the importance of mind, body and soul, the initiative is renamed to Making Over Cancer to better tell our story.
2025 and Beyond: A Hopeful Future
The long-term vision includes establishing the organization as a sustainable force in salons and large events to empower survivors with continuous support. Future plans aim for global expansion to offer support and empowerment opportunities internationally.