I was out running errands one day and happened to drive by Wellspring Alberta in Calgary. I was very curious about what went on inside, so I looked it up online and read about the amazing programs Wellspring offers to those living with cancer, their families and caregivers. My dad had passed away from cancer, and my mom had had cancer twice at this point, and I was surprised to discover all the free programs offered by Wellspring, supporting people when they need it most. I honestly never gave Wellspring much more thought after that day.
Little did I know how important Wellspring Alberta would become to me just a few years later. Never in a million years did I think I would hear the words “you have cancer” – let alone hear those words two more times in the next year.
My first cancer diagnosis and surgery came just 10 days before a much-anticipated trip to Bali, Indonesia. My husband and I cancelled our trip and life became a rollercoaster over the next few years, with many lows, but also some incredible highs, including the arrival of three more grandchildren, making us delighted grandparents of four.
After my first cancer diagnosis and surgery, there were two more cancer diagnoses over the next several months, follow-up tests, multiple surgeries and recovery, along with some very confusing, scary emotions. It seemed just as I thought one cancer was gone, I would have other concerning symptoms and find out I had another cancer. It was very scary not knowing when it would stop.
Wellspring Alberta Offers Relief
During this time, I joined Wellspring, a wonderful, welcoming community where I can simply be myself, whether I’m having a good day or a bad day. At Wellspring, I feel free to say and feel what I’m feeling; there is both a spoken and unspoken understanding that this is a safe place, because the people there have walked in your shoes. You feel the support in so many ways — through words, a hug, a knowing look, or someone quietly coming over to sit beside you.
Wellspring’s programs continue to help me heal, both physically and emotionally. Through programs like Exercise and Educate, Yoga, Qigong, meditation, golf, and nutrition, I’ve improved my overall well-being, while finding meaningful connections, friendships and support.
Cancer Affects Family and Friends
It was incredibly hard telling family and friends each time I received more bad news. But it was especially hard sharing the news with our daughters, who were both starting their families and found themselves in the difficult position of juggling what should have been the most joyous time of their lives with the uncertainty of hearing I had another cancer.
During this time, there was also the discovery of a genetic component to all the cancer that had been affecting my family. Only a few months before my first diagnosis, my mom mentioned that some people in our family had a genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This syndrome is caused by a mutation of one of the genes that protects you from cancer. I was tested for this gene mutation and found to be positive, and learned I had inherited this from my mom, who is currently facing her fifth cancer diagnosis.
This was a very frightening time for my entire family, from learning what we could about genetic mutations and wondering who else might have inherited the mutation, to going through genetic testing and waiting for the results. The worry seemed to go on and on, and so did the stress and the uncertainty. There were times when we thought we couldn’t bear much more.
The Highs that Outweigh the Lows
We were later so blessed to find out that our two daughters are negative for the genetic mutation! In a time of such worry and stress, it’s hard to describe how overjoyed we all were in hearing this news and the overwhelming sense of relief we felt knowing our daughters, and therefore, their children would be spared from this syndrome. When I think of the highs I experienced throughout this time, this good news is right near the top!
There’s no greater blessing in life than the arrival of a new baby. So to describe the arrival of three more grandchildren during the time I was sick as one of the highs would be an understatement. We would now have four grandchildren to spoil once I made it through this cancer journey. I still recall the day, while in the hospital, receiving a text from our daughter that she was expecting twins! I felt so blessed and lucky that I would have all these grandchildren to love and watch grow up. I was more determined than ever to push and fight with all the strength I could muster.
It was a long journey packed into a short period of time, and I’m grateful to say that today I’m doing very well. I’m living a full, active life and enjoying the things I love most, including golfing, pickleball, hiking, skiing, and cycling.
Although I’ve always been a positive person, taking life’s ups and downs in stride, this journey has made me truly grateful for every new day I’m given. Of course, it took a lot of inner strength to get to where I am today, but cancer was not an individual fight for me; it affected everyone around me. My husband, Kelly, never wavered in his unconditional love and care for me both physically and emotionally. He was my biggest cheerleader and lifted my spirits when I was feeling down. Our daughters, Carly and Jessica, and their husbands, Shaun and Tyler, were also an-ever-present support through visits, concerning text messages and loving phone calls. It’s hard to describe the utter joy our four grandchildren, Brooklyn, Penny, Jaxon and Lincoln, gave me when I was feeling at my lowest and continue to every day. My mom and siblings, who live quite far away, cheered me on from a distance, with my mom and sister making the long drive from Saskatchewan to Calgary each time I had surgery. I was also very lucky to have many friends and family support me at each step of my journey.
Making the Best of Today
I have found an inner peace and a settled feeling that life will continue to be good, and I can attribute this to the support I received from my family and friends as well as Wellspring.
When I’m not hanging out with my husband or spending time with our girls and grandchildren, you can find me attending classes at Wellspring. In fact, my week practically revolves around my classes at Wellspring – it’s my happy place.
And, it’s a place I want to give back to. My husband and I cycled in the Cancervive Ride for Wellspring the last two years, raising thousands of dollars for Wellspring Alberta. I completed my first ride just four months after my last surgery. The ride events are uplifting and inspiring, with so many riders raising awareness and money for Wellspring Alberta. We plan to ride again this September. For anyone who might wish to join me in supporting Wellspring here is the link to my Cancervive Page.
Why Wellspring
People don’t really understand what it’s like to go through cancer unless they’ve been there themselves. It’s about so much more than the diagnosis, treatment, fear, and uncertainty. Cancer affects your whole family, your friends, and your relationships. Yet it can be difficult to talk about because you never know how it will be received. It’s a topic that can make people uncomfortable, so sometimes you feel like you shouldn’t talk about it at all.
Wellspring has given me a space where I can simply be myself, whether I’m having a good day or a bad day. I feel supported, understood, and free to say what I’m feeling and to feel what I’m feeling. There is both a spoken and unspoken understanding that this is a safe place to share whatever is on your mind that day, or even in that moment, because you’re surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through. You feel the support in so many ways, through words, a hug, a knowing look, or someone quietly coming over to sit beside you. It’s incredibly comforting and reassuring.
Some of the programs I’ve participated in include Exercise and Educate, Yoga, Qigong, and Guided iRest Meditation. They have all been amazing in supporting my healing, both physically and emotionally, while improving my overall well-being. I’ve also taken part in a golf program, a nutrition program, and several other meditation programs, including sound meditation – which was amazing.
Wellspring’s programs have helped me heal, both physically and emotionally. Through this community, I’ve found meaningful connections and friendships that I truly cherish. While we all have unique stories, different challenges, and different outcomes, we understand one another because we are travelling a similar journey.
It’s been two years since my last surgery, and Wellspring continues to be a very important part of my journey. I still have rough moments when I think, “I need a Wellspring class today,” and I can always find one that fits. It’s just such a blessing to me. Every time I walk through the doors, I feel calmer, more settled, and at peace.
Why I do the Cancervive Ride
It’s important to me to participate in the Cancervive Ride for Wellspring for many reasons that benefit both myself personally and the greater Alberta community.
We all know that cancer is about a lot more than a diagnosis and treatment. It’s about how the future might look different, how treatment might need to continue, how healing might look, how the entire family is affected and so on. For me, raising awareness about Wellspring is just as important as raising funds for their amazing free programs, and riding in Cancervive accomplishes both.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the person going through it; family members and caregivers also travel this journey. It’s not just about getting together in our beautiful Banff National Park and riding in nature. It’s also about supporting one another, coming together as a community, all while raising funds for the amazing free programs at Wellspring.
At an event like Cancervive, you realize the magnitude of this community you are a part of. It’s pretty big, and it’s pretty important. Because the truth is, cancer affects all of us.
Together, my husband and I have raised thousands of dollars for Wellspring, and that makes me feel as good as completing the ride itself. It’s so meaningful to know that our contribution through fundraising is making a difference.
Crossing the finish line gives me an immense sense of accomplishment. It’s like saying ‘nothing can stop me now – not even cancer.’
Let’s spread the word about Wellspring Alberta and raise money for this great cause one kilometre at a time.
– Raylene H., Wellspring member