At the age of 26, JSAL was newly married, settling into a brand-new home, and working in a demanding project management role in the design and construction industry. Life was full and fast-paced, and like many Gen Z professionals working to build a career, she often felt the weight of stress. Music was her refuge – a creative outlet she turned to in her spare time to unwind and reset, often through playing the piano and lyric journaling. Journaling was quietly part of her life early on, a space to process emotions even before she fully understood its impact.
Her cancer journey started in the winter of 2022. JSAL discovered a lump in her breast and went to her doctor right away. “Initially, the doctors weren’t very concerned because of my age. They thought I was too young for it to be breast cancer, but I was really worried,” she shared. That concern proved warranted. She quickly underwent scans and an ultrasound, which then led to a mammogram, CT scan and biopsy all in the same day. Just days into the new year of 2023, she received the news: she had cancer, and chemotherapy would need to begin immediately.
“It was all so sudden,” JSAL recalled. “But the hospital told me about Wellspring and gave me some pamphlets. I was really relieved to hear there was a place I could go for support.”
Chemotherapy was tough, leaving her completely drained – yet JSAL made the decision to continue working full-time throughout her treatment. The first two days after each chemo session were the hardest. Balancing work and treatment meant her schedule was full, making Wellspring’s online programming a critical lifeline she could access from home.
As treatment progressed, JSAL began experiencing memory issues and confusion. That’s when she registered for Wellspring’s Brain Fog program and learned tips to help her cope. “It really helped me manage the symptoms effectively,” she said. “I learned to write everything down and take more efficient notes.” The practice of writing, something she had already leaned on instinctively, became even more intentional. After six months of persistence, she began to regain clarity.
JSAL also took part in Wellspring’s Nourish program, attending the class that focused on breast cancer. It was a turning point. “I realized I needed to make major changes to my diet,” she shared. “I had no idea how much the fast food I was eating could be working against me. In Nourish I learned about estrogen inhibitors, healthy fats like salmon and avocados, and foods to avoid,” she said. JSAL left Nourish feeling very inspired. She loved the recipes she learned in the class, began juicing on a regular basis, and completely changed her diet.
After chemotherapy, JSAL faced a mastectomy and 25 rounds of radiation. It was during this phase that she began to truly reflect on her mental health. Aside from occasionally dabbling in music, self-care had never been a priority. That realization led her to Wellspring’s Healing Journey Program.
The experience was transformative. “I learned that healing isn’t just about your body, but also your mind and soul,” she reflected. Through journaling and guided reflection, she came to recognize the power of a practice she had carried with her from the very beginning of her journey. “I realized I’d been in survival mode for so long. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Reframing her mindset helped her move from simply enduring cancer to actively healing. “I redirected my focus and perspective from being diagnosed with cancer, to be in healing,” she reflected. The program also helped her channel difficult emotions in healthier ways and opened up space for her to deepen her faith.
Music became a central part of that healing. With encouragement and insight gained through Wellspring, JSAL began creating music seriously. “My first single is called Be Invincible, and I wrote it about the fear I felt being inside the MRI machine,” she shared, smiling. She is now working on an album titled Rising Phoenix, symbolizing her rise from adversity. She performs locally to help raise funds for cancer support organizations and was recognized in 2025 with both the Mississauga Arts Council Emerging Vocalist Marty Award and Mississauga Music’s Emerging Talent of the Year Award.
While JSAL’s cancer is considered chronic, she remains hopeful and optimistic. Today, she describes her diagnosis as a blessing – one that reshaped her priorities and taught her the importance of caring for herself, both physically and emotionally.
“I really feel like Wellspring made a huge difference in my cancer journey,” she said. “I really felt supported by a community. I was never alone.”