For Kat, a nonbinary writer and researcher who uses they/them pronouns, when faced with the fears and uncertainty that come with a cancer diagnosis, they found that taking meaningful actions and finding community helped them navigate their new life with a fierce optimism.
“I’ve always found that taking action helps me to manage my fears,” they said.
This principle became their guiding light in 2021, when, at age 34, Kat was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. At the time, they were working part-time at the Telus Spark Science Centre while completing a master’s degree in engineering education at the University of Calgary. They received the diagnosis on the first day of teaching a physics course for future biomedical engineering students.
“When I got the news, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t do this.’ And then I just kind of dropped everything – from then on, I had to take the time to focus on my health,” they said.
As the shock began to settle, Kat was forced to face what few people their age have to deal with.
“Those first few months were really difficult for me; coping with what this means for my life, what’s changing in my life, it was a lot to handle, and I could have just laid down all day and dwell on it, but that’s not me. I try to have a more optimistic outlook,” they said. “So, instead, I thought, I’ll go to appointments, get chemo, have surgery to remove the cancer, and just do all I can to take care of myself. When I know I’m doing something, and doing the best I can, that helps alleviate fears.”
One of those actions was reaching out to find connection and community, which led Kat to Wellspring Alberta. On recommendation from an aunt and a few friends, Kat joined Wellspring and enrolled in an online Young Adult Games Night.
“It was a small group, and I thought we’d just jump right into games, but instead we talked first, and the other people were offering recommendations about things to check out, other opportunities for connection, and they suggested some Wellspring programs I might like,” they said. “They were super supportive, and it felt nice to be in a group with people who were fun and understood what I was going through.”
That first evening led to many more programs which elevated the connection and community Kat was seeking. They filled their calendar with Wellspring programs and activities to keep their brain active and their hands busy.
“I always love learning new things,” they said. “So, in art classes, learning different sketching techniques, or how to draw flowers or trees or mountains, and having a guide there to offer tips in a gentle and encouraging way was really great.”
More than a distraction, creativity became a way for Kat to regain their sense of purpose.
“Creating art helped me to feel a bit more productive with my time, and then I could show my husband what I had drawn that day — that really felt good,” they said.
Kat says their husband and friends have been a huge part of helping them stay grounded and focused on their health and wellness.
“I’ve had a lot of friends who have been super supportive, and my husband has come to every chemo appointment, and he learned how to disconnect my chemo pump so I didn’t have to go to the hospital on weekends,” they said. “He encourages me to eat and drink water and get out for walks, and helps around the house with chores when I’m not doing well. He’s just been really supportive throughout, in so many little but meaningful ways.”
Another meaningful experience for Kat was enrolling in Wellspring’s Healing Journey, a multi-level program that offers simple, effective tools and strategies to promote self awareness and help with stress management.
“Joining Healing Journey was really good for me. It was nice to connect with people — all ages and different stages in their cancer journey — hear their stories and have conversations about the worries and the fears we all shared,” they said. “This program really helped me to slow down, meditate, and take care of myself. And what was nice is that it also included some creativity: drawing, reflecting, writing, imagining — activities to help me move forward and grow.”
Over the next few years, the connections Kat made through Wellspring led to other opportunities, including volunteer roles, young adult cancer events, and connections with Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Through those experiences, they found a broader network of people who understood the unique challenges of facing cancer as a young adult.
“Being a young adult and going through the cancer care system, I can see where there are more struggles and difficulties. It’s nice to talk to other young people who are experiencing that and just be there for each other,” they said.
Kat praises the mental health supports that have helped them stay strong, including the psychosocial oncology services at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre. They also point to the strong collaboration between Wellspring and Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) as an example of how meaningful partnerships can help people feel connected, supported, and less alone.
“There is a nice synergy between Wellspring and YACC in the promotion and sharing of local programs,” they said. “It’s nice to see that both organizations just want to help people and want to ensure that we can build the best community and support system possible for people with cancer. That means a lot.”
Five years after their diagnosis, Kat continues to face cancer with remarkable determination. They have undergone surgery and chemotherapy, while continuing to manage significant side effects, and the challenges of tumours that have been resistant to treatment. Now, a newly developed immunotherapy drug is providing a spark of renewed hope, and Kat will do what they always do — move forward with measured strides and optimism.
“I’m excited and a bit anxious,” they said. “Starting every new drug brings new side effects and new management. But I’m as excited as I can be to try something new that might help.”
Through every stage of their experience, one thing has remained constant for Kat: “I think that no matter who you are, community is so important, and Wellspring provides opportunities to find that community. It provides a support network, a chance to meet people who understand, and that is so valuable no matter who you are or where you are in life or in your cancer journey.”