Arax Copeman’s mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. While researching what support was available for her mother, she came across Wellspring. “I thought it was too good to be true; a free service that is dedicated to helping people get through cancer. When I read that there was training to become a Peer Support Volunteer, I gravitated towards that,” says Arax.
Volunteering at Wellspring
So, Arax signed up to become a Peer Support Volunteer, a decision that she says helped her to better manage her mother’s cancer diagnosis. “It was a coping mechanism for me. It was such a difficult time that if you can be a part of someone else’s journey to help make it better, it helps you cope with your own journey,” she says.
Arax volunteers her time at Wellspring as a Front Desk Volunteer, a Peer Support Volunteer, and a Cancer Coach, and she hosts the monthly Lymphoma Support group. “Wellspring has given me purpose. Of all the work I have done throughout my career, this volunteer work is what I am most proud of,” she says.
Her journey through grief
While Arax’s mother wasn’t well enough to take Wellspring’s programs, she hugely benefited from the skills Arax was learning through her Peer Support training. However, sadly, in 2021, she succumbed to her cancer.
Arax found comfort in utilizing Wellspring’s online support services, including the Chronic Cancer Support Group and a webinar on grief. “I really recommend Wellspring’s webinars. The one I took was helpful because it not only helped me and my grief, but it made me a better Peer Support Volunteer so I could help others going through something similar.”
As for Arax’s grief journey today, she says it’s constantly evolving. “Although there may be different stages, grief never ends, and it doesn’t have a schedule. It’s one of those things that is always with you and it’s about learning how to live with it. That’s what I try to tell people in my coaching sessions,” she says.
Why donate to Wellspring?
Passionate about supporting Wellspring’s philanthropic endeavours, Arax often attends Wellspring’s charity events and fundraisers. She wants others to consider donating to Wellspring as the services are one-of-a-kind and offered at no charge. “Donors make it possible for Wellspring to offer programs at no charge. The benefit of using Wellspring is that it’s not tied to one specific cancer; it covers people from diagnosis to beyond, and their family members too. Wellspring is authentic because it’s run by trained volunteers, and on the staff, they have social workers, psychotherapists, and healthcare professionals. So, you have real experts leading sessions free-of-charge to members. Members will be matched with a volunteer who has been through similar things to what they have been through. Also, it is 100 percent free for members to join, so why not donate?” she says.
Arax encourages anyone looking to join Wellspring to make the leap. “Head to their brand-new website that just launched this year or visit one of the in-person centres in Toronto and Oakville. Speak to a Peer Support Volunteer and try a couple of programs that interest you. The people are so friendly, and the environment is so lovely that I promise you will love it! Regardless of your cancer diagnosis, Wellspring will have something that will help you so that you’re not alone, and they will make sure you have the best experience possible.”
The best part, Arax says, “At Wellspring, you are not just a number. When you are here, you are a member of our family.”
