Leah’s story: how Wellspring exercise programs helped her recovery

January 20, 2025

Walking through the doors of Wellspring at age 36 was not an easy step for Leah, who was just wrapping up maternity leave with her second son, when a cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life.

“I had passed that building many times on my way to work and wondered about it … never knowing it would come to be so important in my life,” said Leah, adding that it took some time and courage to step inside.

“The folks there were so lovely and welcoming – it’s such a warm environment and I immediately felt safe, but I was entering this world that I never thought I’d be a part of. In my career I had helped people who had cancer – now it was happening to me.”

Eight years after starting a career in health care, Leah’s life was unfolding beautifully; a husband she loved, a career she was passionate about, and two healthy kids. Then the unimaginable happened.

“It had been a wonderful Christmas with our two little kiddos; I still remember how happy I felt. Then on New Year’s Eve, I found a lump in my breast. I wanted to believe it was just a clogged milk duct, but I had lost a friend younger than me to breast cancer, and I work in health care, so I was vigilant about staying on top of these things,” said Leah.

The next day, instead of starting 2022 at home with her family, Leah found herself in a line up outside a walk-in medical clinic, waiting for an appointment at one of Calgary’s only clinics slated to open on New Year’s Day.

“When the radiologist lingered on a lymph node in my armpit, I knew,” said Leah.

With unstoppable determination, she took charge of the process, finding a clinic where she could get a mammogram within days, and driving to Red Deer for a biopsy within weeks. By the end of January, Leah was diagnosed with breast cancer and starting treatment, with a plan for a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

“The very first chemo session was crushing. I was sitting in the chair when I should have been on a plane flying to Australia with my husband. Working in health care, COVID had taken a toll on us, but we had come through it, and we had two healthy kiddos. This was going to be our celebration trip,” said Leah.

 

The impact of Wellspring programs

Confronted with the fear of missing out on a life with her husband and two sons, Leah poured her efforts into recovery, and crossing the Wellspring threshold was the first step in reclaiming some parts of her life that had been ripped away.

“Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, so when my oncologist recommended exercise to help with side effects and recovery, I was on it,” said Leah.

Leah joined ACE (Adult Cancer Exercise), and Wellspring’s Exercise and Educate program.

“These exercise programs have been the best medicine for helping me to maintain my energy and improve my mental health,” said Leah. “Since starting at Wellspring, I can actually feel my body getting stronger and healthier. After all that it has been through, having a sense that I can take back some of what I lost is just so empowering.”

Thrilled with her progress, Leah has made a point of noting the impacts of Wellspring, and sharing far and wide with friends, her medical team and colleagues.

“Going to Wellspring, I have been able to combat some of the side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and isolation,” she said. “And that’s just part of it; aside from the physical impacts, it’s the mental and social aspects that really make a difference. Working out, and being “free” from cancer for that hour, boosts my energy for the rest of the day. Being present with people who are encouraging and supportive, and who are now my friends … this is something I didn’t expect. Wellspring is better than any drug that could be given to help me get through this.”

 

Return to health

Now finished her treatments, Leah is cautiously moving forward, savouring every minute with her family, and planning a graduated return to work in the spring.

“I’m so grateful to all the people supporting me. My husband is amazing – he’s been my rock through all of this. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” she said.

In the meantime, she and her husband did manage to take that celebratory trip to Australia – a place that holds many happy memories for both of them.

“When we were landing in Sydney it was a hot clear day and the pilot was circling the city. As I looked at all the familiar landmarks – the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour – it was so powerful, because I didn’t think I would ever see this place again. It gave me hope that the future is possible,” said Leah.

As for Wellspring, even when she’s back at work, Leah hopes to attend some classes and maintain the connections that mean so much to her.

“It’s been my go-to place for wellness. I tell anyone who will listen – Wellspring is a beautiful environment for building connections, getting strong, keeping healthy, and in my mind, we are helping to prevent cancer from coming back,” said Leah.

One Response

  1. Leah, Thank you for sharing your story. Your journey and your incredibly positive attitude inspires me.
    You are kind and so genuine.
    Thank you for being open with your deeply personal experience.
    You make my life enriched. I am so glad Wellspring brought us together.

    Michelle

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