Ruth’s Story: The Other Side of Cancer

For many months while enduring cancer treatment, Fridays brought a measure of relief for Ruth as she rolled out a yoga mat at Wellspring and settling into the quiet calm of a restorative yoga practice. It was a small ritual that helped carry her through chemotherapy, two surgeries and radiation – and a place where she could simply be herself, surrounded by people who understood.

“Wellspring was a godsend to me,” she said. “I loved the community. I loved that I didn’t have to worry about being bald, or covering up. Everyone knew what I was going through and could relate.”

Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2024. What followed was more than a year of intense treatment: six rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, and targeted therapy.

At home, Ruth and her husband Christian were also navigating a busy family routine with their three children, a son and two daughters, all teenagers when their mom was diagnosed.

“We were very open with the kids; we talked about everything,” she said. “We tried to emphasize that it wasn’t the cancer making me ill, it was the treatment, and the treatment was getting rid of the cancer.”

She credits Christian with helping keep the family on the rails during the most difficult months. “He was our rock; he was steadfast through it all, and still is,” she said.

Wellspring was also an important part of her journey through cancer and treatment. When she felt well enough, she moved on from yoga, sampling various other programs, including Healing Journey, Brain Fog, Exercise and Educate, Sound Bath Meditation, Look Good Feel Better, Anticancer Lifestyle, and Return to Work.

“I made some really good lifelong friends that I’m still in touch with, even after being back to work,” she said. “Wellspring was such a gift during treatment.”

Cancervive: A way to Bounce Back and Give Back

By August 2025, Ruth had completed active treatment and embraced the path to recovery by setting a new goal for herself and seizing the opportunity to help others on a cancer journey. Together with Christian, Ruth registered for Cancervive, an annual cycling fundraiser for Wellspring Alberta.

“When you have cancer, your sole focus should be on getting better, not worrying about how you’re going to access support. During treatment, many people have to go on medical leave and live on a reduced income. Wellspring removes that financial barrier by offering their programs for free, which is pretty incredible! Supporting Cancervive felt like a meaningful way to help ensure those programs continue, paying it forward from one cancer survivor to the next,” she explained.

The pair set their sights on the 25-kilometre distance and began fundraising and training.

“It was a great goal for me to work toward,” Ruth said. “I had been keeping up my health with yoga at Wellspring, and we were doing lots of dog walks, but I really didn’t feel like I was in very good shape anymore, so this gave me incentive and a goal.”

Typically an active family, exercise was a regular part of their routine, but now they had upped the ante.

“I got back on my Peloton, we would go bike riding in the evenings, and we even did a practice run on the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff,” she said. “That was a big turning point — it’s when I felt like I can do this. I had felt so sick and out of shape for so long, but this made me feel strong and hopeful,” she said.

On event day, Ruth and Christian adopted a relaxed approach, focused on taking in the sights and enjoying their time in the mountains.

“We called ourselves The View Crew, stopping to take pictures and have snacks along the way,” she said. “The pace was perfect. I met lots of other survivors and I could keep up a conversation. It was a great day.”

Crossing the finish line brought a powerful sense of accomplishment and a warm welcome from family members, including Ruth’s mom and sister, and the Wellspring community that had supported her on her path.

Back in the Saddle

With cancer behind her, Ruth’s next important step was returning to the job she is passionate about. In October 2025, thanks in part to what she learned through Wellspring’s Return to Work program, she was able to negotiate a gradual return to her role as a Senior Administrative Assistant at WestJet.

“I love my job, the company, and all the travel it affords our family. After three months on a gradual path, I was able to get back to full time,” she said.

And while life has eased into its new rhythms, the cycling part of the journey isn’t over for Ruth and Christian; they have once again committed to joining the Cancervive ride on September 12, 2026.

But that’s not all, they are also setting their sights on an even bigger challenge, the New York City Marathon in November 2026! Viewing Cancervive as part of their cross-training for the marathon, the pair are on an upward trajectory.

“It’s a big goal, that’s for sure, but we just decided to go for it,” Ruth said.

True to form, they plan to approach the marathon the same way they approached Cancervive; with a sense of adventure and a plan to enjoy.

For Ruth, the marathon represents something deeper, too.

“It’s kind of a celebration,” she said. “A nod to my body for all it has carried me through and a celebration of all we can do now that I’m healthy.”

And as she continues moving forward through family milestones, bike rides, work days, run days, and new challenges, Wellspring remains an important part of her story.

“Wellspring gave me strength, community, and hope when I needed it most. I am grateful,” she said.

Support Cancervive 2026 and all the riders riding for the human side of cancer.

https://give.wellspring.ca/event/2026-cancervive/make-a-donation