- December 1, 2009
- History
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
–Saint Francis of Assisi
It is impossible to think about Wellspring Edmonton’s legacy without thinking of Drs. Marilyn and Glenn Hundleby.
Glenn Hundleby is one of those visionary trailblazers who makes things happen. Prior to co-founding the Wellspring centre in Edmonton, Glenn established a successful leadership career with a number of national and local non-profits. Initially a psychologist and associate professor at the University of Alberta, Glenn transitioned to the world of business where he created several successful business ventures. Following early retirement, Glenn founded and managed a residential construction company in Canmore, Alberta, which he anticipated would be the culmination of his life-long passion for building. He never imagined that this experience would lead directly to a major role in the vision, creation, and construction of a Wellspring centre in Edmonton.
After losing his mother, as well as a close friend and mentor to cancer within a month of each other, he focused on a vision – would these life changing events have been different if Wellspring had been available in his community? After researching cancer care facilities around the world, Glenn collaborated with others to change the face of cancer support in Edmonton and establish a world-class, community-based support centre, offering non-medical programs and services for cancer patients and their families.
As the founding Chair of the Board of Directors, he devoted his time fully to the project and used his connections in the building industry and community to help steer Wellspring to success. His experience as a Director with the Capital Care Foundation and as the former president of the northern Alberta Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton proved invaluable to Wellspring in its early years. In recognition of his service and contributions to our community, Dr. Glenn Hundleby was nominated for outstanding service at the 2018 Edmonton Mayor’s Awards.
Marilyn Hundleby (Ph.D., R Psych, CRHSP), a clinical psychologist and leader in psycho-social cancer care, was instrumental in the formation of Wellspring Edmonton. Prior to her work as program director at Wellspring Edmonton, she founded the Arts in Medicine Program at the Cross Cancer Institute, where she spent nearly two decades assisting cancer patients in healing through a variety of expressive art modalities and personal narratives. Marilyn has been at the forefront of the arts-in-healthcare expansion in Canada, and for six years applied her experience in treating those dealing with PTSD and ultimately, Post Traumatic Growth. She is a firm believer in the importance of a holistic approach to care, which is reflected in the creative art programs offered at Wellspring.
As a result, Marilyn earned a reputation for her kindness, compassion, professionalism, and high-quality care. Her research interests include the development and implementation of psychological methodology to improve cancer patients’ quality of life, with a focus on the transformative and therapeutic benefits of creative arts.
Her contributions to cancer care have earned her numerous awards and formal recognitions, including Global Edmonton Woman of Vision (2002), the Capital Region Rotary Integrity Award (2018) and the City of Edmonton Hall of Fame Salute to Excellence (2018). Dr. Marilyn Hundleby was named a Heritage Hero in 2017 for her role in bringing the Look Good Feel Better program to Alberta women with cancer.
Marilyn was awarded the Order of St. Stephen’s College in 2021 for her work, leadership, and significant contributions in the healthcare and education fields. She is the author of academic articles, presentations, and workshops, including the book “Cancer and the Art of Healing”, co-authored with Sherry Abbott and published by the Alberta Cancer Foundation in 2006.
Whether she is volunteering or working professionally, she leads by example. There is no greater reward for Marilyn’s extraordinary humility than the positive impact she has had on her patients and their families.
Marilyn and Glenn are known for their expertise, compassion, and generosity in supporting health care and community organizations. These two extraordinary individuals have made substantial and lasting contributions to our community, exemplifying Edmonton’s spirit of generosity in the ways in which we can all make a difference. Their support, service and leadership to Wellspring Edmonton have left an indelible mark on Wellspring’s history in Alberta.
