In 2017, at just 41, Sarah’s world was turned upside down by a brain cancer diagnosis. A career-focused single mother raising 10-year-old twins in Medicine Hat, Sarah had just begun a hopeful new chapter in her love life when her world shifted on its axis. In the months that followed, Sarah had a craniotomy to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. The lasting effects of treatment led to an unplanned end to her career, but discovering Wellspring Alberta online helped ease the transition, opening the door to connection, resilience, and healing.
In the wake of loss and change, Sarah’s relationship blossomed, her blended family grew strong, and she discovered unexpected peace and purpose on a new path forward.
“I’ve always believed things happen for a reason. I’m not grateful for cancer, but I’m grateful to cancer for all I have been able to do because of it. Because of cancer, I was able to become a stay-at-home mom for my kids. That would not have been my choice, but it’s what happened, and I am so grateful for all the time I’ve spent with them. Also, because of cancer, I’ve been able to grow and heal and become a volunteer with Wellspring, which has given me such purpose,” said Sarah.
Wellspring Community Connectors in Medicine Hat
By 2024, years beyond cancer treatment and after completing her training as a Community Connector, Sarah had spent several months raising awareness, sharing her story, and guiding others in her community to find the support they needed at Wellspring. So, when Cancer Connect – Wellspring’s first in-person program – launched in Medicine Hat, Sarah was among the first to volunteer, helping promote the program, prepare the meeting space, and warmly welcome participants.
“Every Cancer Connect session I’ve been a part of has been so incredibly powerful. To witness people coming together and supporting each other is amazing. There is a healing energy – a healing atmosphere that is hard to describe. I am so grateful that I get to share and help with this program,” said Sarah, adding that she is one of six Community Connectors in Medicine Hat and each plays a vital role in the twice-monthly gathering. One of them has even partnered with local cafes that provide snacks and refreshments for the participants.
“The tone of these sessions is: you belong here, we get it, it’s okay to not be okay. There is no toxic positivity, just acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment. It’s amazing to see how hope begins to resurface – people begin to feel better when they are free to express themselves and feel supported,” she said.
In 2025, Wellspring offered its first in-person Compass for the Caregiver program in Medicine Hat, and once again, Sarah and fellow Community Connectors put the word out and helped launch the five-week pilot program.
“Naturally, caregivers want to make things better for their loved ones facing cancer, but in this program, they learn that they need to take care of themselves as well. They gather for support and are free to express all their emotions, knowing others understand and have experienced similar feelings of frustration, exhaustion, and guilt. Sharing and being validated puts people at ease, helps them navigate the caregiving journey with more grace and empathy for their loved one and for themselves,” said Sarah.
Sarah’s wish is for the caregiver program to be offered again and for more in-person Wellspring programs in Medicine Hat.
“Cancer is so isolating. But it doesn’t have to be. When you join Wellspring, you are in a room with others – virtually or in person – who totally understand what you’re going through. You can be vulnerable; you can be honest; it is completely okay to be not okay,” she said.
One Response
Thank you so much for your amazing and very brave journey Sarah. My name is Val Kunimoto and I was a Community Connector in Lethbridge for 3 years until I moved to Vernon last winter. I remember when you got Medicine Hat involved and was moved by your commitment and long hours of work to get it started. I’m so glad you have more Community Connectors now to help out as it is a lot of hard but rewarding work. All the best to you and your community!