“You have cancer.”

Every day in Alberta, 63 people hear these three words. One in two Albertans will hear these words in their lifetime.

We all know the importance of cancer research and medical treatment. Fortunately, we have excellent medical resources to fight cancer. However, those living with cancer know that the steps to recovery, the mindset of living well, and the hope of living longer with cancer, all require support and resources beyond the medical umbrella.

“Cancer doesn’t just attack the body, it attacks the mind and soul. It cripples and robs you of so many things you once were. But what cancer steals, Wellspring gives back. It gives you friends and a sense of purpose, incredible support and all kinds of meaningful activities with people who care. Wellspring turns despair into hope, fear into a desire to live, misery into joy, loneliness into community. There are so many things you get from Wellspring – it is a life affirming place.”      

– Ian Robinson, Wellspring member

Research indicates that after treatment ends, 80% of cancer patients report physical challenges, 70% report emotional challenges, and 40% from practical challenges. All would benefit from basic emotional support, good communication and symptom management.

Wellspring is devoted to addressing these non-medical impacts of cancer. We exist so no one has to face cancer alone.

We invite you to invest in the future of those we have the privilege to serve.

We invite you to invest in Wellspring.

To understand how our programs make a difference – visit our member stories on our website.

Our Mission: Wellspring Alberta is a warm and welcoming community that provides a comprehensive range of support, resources and programs so anyone living with cancer and the people who care for them can improve the quality of their lives.

Our Vision: No one has to face cancer alone.

Who We Serve: Individuals living with cancer – those diagnosed, caregivers and kids – throughout Alberta.

Wellspring Alberta is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of support services, programs, and resources for individuals and families living with cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of understanding, shared experiences, and emotional support to empower those affected by cancer to improve their quality of life and well-being. Since our establishment in 2007, we have been committed to fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing, resilience, and hope. Through over 70 evidence-informed programs, Wellspring offers support for these various needs in its three centers in Alberta, an online house for virtual programs, and growing a presence and programming in rural communities. Through this work, Wellspring ensures that no one has to face cancer alone.

Programs are offered in the following pillars:

• Educational: Receive information, strategies and tools to live well with cancer (e.g., Brain Fog, Healing Journey, Returning to Work, and Money Matters).
• Expressive Arts: Express yourself or escape cancer for a few hours through visual arts, writing, music and more (e.g., Creative Journaling, Digital Storytelling, Storytelling, Drumming, Watercolour, and Gardening).
• Movement and Meditation: Participate in programs featuring physical and mental activities to increase strength, build resilience, manage stress, and calm the mind (e.g., Hiking, Tai Chi, Yoga, Visualization, and Relaxation).
• Self-Care: Meet with others to share experiences and strategies, and benefit from learning and caring for yourself (e.g., Meetups for adults living with incurable cancer, Food and Nutrition, Transitions Support Coach, Caregivers and Men’s Group).

Wellspring also has programs specifically designed for:

• Young Adults (18 – 39ish)
• Kids in families in which a significant adult has cancer
• Adults living with a cancer that may never go away
• Men
• Caregivers
• Indigenous peoples

Additional services and resources include:

• Speaker Series: Hear from leaders who share information about cancer, wellness, and strategies for coping. The Speaker Series is open to the public.
• Peer Support: Have one-on-one conversations with trained volunteers with cancer or caregiving lived  experiences.
• Energy Sessions: Experience Healing Touch, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.
• Child-Minding: Participate in programs with confidence that your child/grandchild is being supervised in a safe environment.
• Resource Library: Access a variety of books and resources on cancer-related topics.
• Cancer Community Groups: Wellspring provides free meeting space to cancer support groups (e.g., head and neck, brain tumor, blood cancer).

Over the years, Wellspring has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals living with cancer. Each person who has turned to Wellspring during their darkest moments, has been the grateful beneficiary of the generosity and commitment of those who have championed our mission.

Wellspring is committed to create and deliver a diverse and relevant complement of programs and services to meet the supportive care needs of today’s and tomorrow’s individuals and families living with cancer.

We know you have many choices of where to invest your charitable dollars. We welcome the opportunity to present new investment possibilities for consideration. We hope you take pride in knowing your generosity is improving the lives of those living with cancer. Thank you for considering Wellspring.