Some moments change us so completely that going forward, life is divided into before and after. For people touched by cancer, moments like this often live quietly inside: undiscovered, unspoken, and yet holding the key to immense grief, resilience, or even unexpected clarity.
At Wellspring, the Digital Storytelling program offers members something rare and deeply meaningful: the chance to pause, look inward, and give voice to a single transformative moment, then shape it into a short film that honours the truth of that experience.
“For those seeking a profound way to process, integrate, or move beyond a difficult cancer experience, Digital Storytelling is not just a program; it’s a turning point. It can change your life,” said Melody Williamson, Wellspring program leader.
For Sara Taylor, cancer survivor and young adult member at Wellspring, the experience of creating a digital video was indeed life-changing, helping her face her paralyzing fear of seizures which were caused by brain cancer.
“I had been told early in my diagnosis that stressing about seizures could actually cause one, so I developed an irrational fear that even saying the word could cause me to have one; I instead started referring to them as ‘incidents,’ said Sara.
“The Digital Storytelling program helped to take away the chokehold that the seizures had on me. Creating the video required me to write a script, record a voiceover, and even find images that recreated the feeling of having a seizure. It was like exposure therapy: the more I faced my fear, the less power it had over me,” said Sara.
While what unfolds in the program is not actually considered conventional therapy, there is something undeniably therapeutic about the guided creative process.
“I’ve learned that what needs to come out often bubbles up,” said Melody. “As the process unfolds, participants will say that they had no idea how much they needed to do this — how profound the experience is and how it helps them move forward,” said Melody.
The Program
Digital Storytelling runs for eight weeks with a two-hour session each week, both in person and online options are offered. The group is gently guided through a four-part creative process: finding a transformational moment in their cancer journey, writing a short narrative form story about it, crafting the video, and then sharing within the trusted group.
“My job, and what becomes part of the group process, is to help people talk things through and uncover that meaningful nugget … that key moment where after that everything in their life changed. Taking time to reflect can be so meaningful, so cathartic. Sometimes discovering that moment can be somewhat of a surprise, they end up telling a story they didn’t know they were going to tell,” said Melody.
With sessions limited to just six participants, Digital Storytelling is intentionally intimate. Whether participants are cancer survivors or caregivers, each brings a different life experience, but cancer weaves a common thread. As trust builds connection unfolds.
“Often somewhere in the middle, people can feel somewhat overwhelmed and unsure that it will all come together, and I tell them that’s how you know you’re doing something meaningful and creative. They are learning new skills and tapping into some unexplored territory in themselves. I let them know that they are in a safe space and I will support them as much as they need on the technical front. I always reassure them that I’ll get them across the finish line,” said Melody.
By the time the final videos are shared – amid tears, laughter, and long embraces – participants often say they are changed.
All Skill Levels Welcome
For those who feel intimidated by the idea of creating a video, worried they need special technical skill for this program, Melody puts their minds at ease.
“Anyone can do this program; they do not need to be skilled at video production. Basic computer skills are really all that’s necessary. I meet people where they’re at, utilize their skills and then fill in the gaps whether it’s the technology they need help with, or finding their voice. Getting to the heart of their story – that’s the important centerpiece,” she said.
The program uses a user-friendly video editing program called We Video. Melody has a professional license that allows for free users so no one has to pay. She helps each person set up an account. She keeps it very simple, teaching basic steps and progressing on an as needed basis, according to skill level. Then those who are tech savvy and want to do more – she will show and guide them to do it themselves, but those who are less technically inclined …
“They make the creative choices and then with their permission, I implement them. This is all part of the trust and co-creative relationship we build. Either way, everyone leaves with a completed digital story,” she said.
Melody does recommend that those who are less comfortable with technology to sign up for the in-person sessions rather than the online program where she can be right beside them looking at their screen and can guide them as needed.
Broader Sharing: When Stories Ripple Outward
By the end of the program, participants first share their films within the group, a moment marked by trust, courage, and deep respect. Each member retains full ownership of their story and decides if, when, and how it is shared beyond that circle.
For some, the story’s journey continues. When participants feel ready for their film to be seen more widely, Wellspring offers the option of sharing it on the Wellspring YouTube channel. In this space, the stories quietly travel far beyond the program – offering hope, recognition, and connection to people who may be facing cancer themselves. Many who encounter these films are moved to join Wellspring or to begin their own digital storytelling journey.
Wellspring Digital Storytelling Festival
Participants may also choose to take part in Wellspring’s Digital Storytelling Film Festival. For this event, family members, friends, and fellow Wellspring participants are invited to watch three of the films together. Wellspring intentionally creates a setting that feels safe and sacred, where attendees understand they are being entrusted with something deeply personal.
“After each film is screened, conversation unfolds. Viewers reflect on what resonated, ask questions, and share how the story affected them. For participants, this moment is profoundly affirming. They see, often for the first time, that their story matters, that it carries meaning beyond themselves and leaves an imprint on others,” said Melody.
About Melody Williamson, MSc., B.A.
Melody is s professionally trained Level 3 Common Language Digital Storytelling Facilitator. She’s also a cancer survivor. She says she has been involved with storytelling and helping others to understand each other throughout her life. With ease and expertise, she combines her past careers in professional theatre and behavioural science consulting, and adds unbridled passion to the process of giving voice to the human experience. Guided by her caring prompts, many people have crafted beautiful and meaningful digital videos through this program.
“There are so many parts of the Digital Storytelling program that I really love. I love the one-on-one work I get to engage in with each participant; the drawing out of that central theme and then scripting it. I love the creative editing process and seeing how it all comes together. But what I ultimately love the most is seeing what it does for this group collectively. Seeing how these individuals bond, how they feel supported, how they leave feeling like they’ve healed a little bit more; that’s the part that really feeds my soul.” – Melody Williamson.
The Human Side of Cancer Can’t Wait
Cancer doesn’t stay in the hospital. It affects emotions, identity, relationships, finances, and everyday life. That’s exactly why Wellspring Alberta exists. Wellspring Alberta supports the human side of cancer by providing the emotional, social, and practical support — working alongside the healthcare system to ensure people are cared for as whole human beings, not just patients. Our programs complement medical treatment and research by addressing needs that extend beyond medical care, helping people feel less alone as they navigate life with and beyond cancer. Support the human side of cancer. Donate today.