“You have cancer.”

Every day in Alberta, over 60 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 Calgary 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 Calgary 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 about them can improve the quality of their lives.

OUR VISION | No one has to face cancer alone.

Despite a global pandemic, Wellspring Calgary has continued to provide a community of support for those living with cancer, supporting more people than ever before. In 2020, over 2,000 people visited Wellspring Calgary 24,000 times through 3,800 hours of programming. Wellspring also has members living in 52 communities throughout southern Alberta and welcomed more new members from southern Alberta in 2020 than ever before

Cancer is non-discriminatory, with vulnerability presenting in many ways (financial, physical, emotional, etc.). Wellspring supports women and men, their caregivers and families living with cancer at any point during their cancer journey (diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, recurrence, end of life).

After participating in our programs, in 2020 Wellspring members report the following:

• 96% feel less isolated
• 97% find our programs beneficial
• 99% would participate in online programs in the future
• 100% would recommend Wellspring Calgary

Wellspring Calgary offers more than 90 evidence-informed programs and services to those living with cancer in Calgary and across southern Alberta offered by professional and exceptional leaders (who are paid an honorarium for their services).  These programs include:

• Educational: Receive information, strategies and tools to live well with cancer (e.g., Brain Fog, Healing Journey, Returning to Work, and Money Matters).
• 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).
• 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).

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.

Today, Wellspring faces an incredible challenge due to the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions in cancer screenings and a 60% decrease in event revenue. The current health and economic crises have resulted in a heightened need for Wellspring to be responsive to the changing complex concerns that persist. More people living with cancer will be needing us more than ever.

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.

At Wellspring Calgary, in many senses, our work has just begun.

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.