At Wellspring Alberta, we believe no one should face cancer alone. We are excited to share a new program serving the South Asian community in Calgary. It is called Saath (Cancer Support). “Saath” means “together” in Hindi.
From Outreach to Action
Earlier this year, Wellspring Alberta began its South Asian Outreach Project to build real connections, better understand cultures, and create programs that meet the needs of South Asian community members living with cancer and their caregivers.
Through this work, we learned that support must be built with the community, not just for it. “By building an inclusive team, training our staff and volunteers, gathering feedback and partnering with others, we aim to create community programs that truly reflect South Asian cultural values and beliefs,” said Tana Dhruva, who helped lead the project.
With help from the Calgary Foundation, generous donors, and many voices from the community, that dream is now coming to life.
A Story That Opens Doors
When we think about what this program means, we think of Nishail, a South Asian Community Connector. Born in Canada to parents of Pakistani and Bengali backgrounds, she has volunteered with Wellspring while studying biology.
She knows that cancer can be a hard topic to talk about in her community. “There is a really big need for this program. The South Asian community in Canada is very strong and connected. But in such a tight community, cultural norms are strong and misinformation can easily be contained,” she says.
She adds, “It’s no one’s fault. It is just a belief system passed on from generation to generation. You don’t really question things you grow up with.”
“By tailoring programs to the South Asian community, Wellspring will give South Asians a voice – a safe place where they can openly share all that they are going through, including mental, emotional, and physical health challenges,” she says.
What Saath (Cancer Support) Offers
- A warm, relaxed setting with chai, snacks, and conversation
- Opportunities to connect with others in Hindi or Punjabi
- Group discussions where you can share or simply listen
- Occasional guest speakers covering helpful topics to improve quality of life
- Activities to support your wellbeing, such as mindfulness or reflection exercises
- Space to talk about culturally relevant experiences, beliefs, and challenges
- Sessions are held in a spirit of trust, what is shared in the group stays within the group
The goal is to help you feel less alone, supported by a caring community, and walk away with tools to care for your mind, body, and spirit.
Call to Community
Saath (Cancer Support) is more than just a program. It is a way to bring people together and build a sense of belonging and hope.
We invite:
- Individuals and caregivers in the South Asian community to join, share, and help shape Saath
- Community groups, faith leaders, and health workers to partner and refer people
- Volunteers with language skills or cultural knowledge to get involved
- Donors to support this important work so it can reach more people
Together, we can transform how cancer is experienced, from a journey of isolation to one of shared healing, voice, and connection.