- July 13, 2022
- Member Stories
Richard Armand doesn’t know where he would be today if it weren’t for Wellspring providing helpful programs and comforting connections during the difficult days of caring for his wife Hélène, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012.
Richard and his wife were formerly from Quebec and did not have a large network of family and friends in Calgary when cancer entered their life. When Hélène discovered Wellspring, she was tremendously grateful for the programs and support, and Richard was pleased that caregivers could also join.
“Walking into the centre we were immediately received with such kindness and respect. I really appreciated this,” he said.
Richard enrolled in yoga; visualization, meditation and mindfulness; Tai Chi and Qigong, and other programs that provided him with the tools for coping, and managing the anxiety and stress that he has struggled with for many years.
As a long-time amateur musician who plays classical viola, mandolin and ukulele, Richard delighted in Wellspring’s music programs, signing up for Ukulele, Open Mic, Campfire Classics, and any music events offered.
“I have very much enjoyed all of the programs I have taken at Wellspring, but music is especially therapeutic for me,” he said. “Music is good for the soul – it liberates your emotions.”
When he lost his wife in 2019, and soon after COVID hit, Richard says he was terribly lost and lonely, and was grateful for online programs, many of which are open to the public, so he could continue to benefit from the enduring support of the Wellspring community.
“I can’t believe how lucky I am, and others are too, to have such good programs with very good leaders – for free!” he said. “I appreciate it very much and I tell many other people about Wellspring. I have given donations to Wellspring because I know this is very important and I want to make sure others can enjoy this community and all it has to offer.”
