Recently, Wellspring member Anne, shared with us how much The Wellspring Community Forum has meant to her:
I am a very independent woman – or so I thought. Having experienced much over the decades, I believed that I knew a thing or two about Life. But then came Cancer. A whole new chapter in my life opened up and is still being written…. I had no idea the breadth and depth of the challenges that come with such a diagnosis. Challenges to Body, Mind and Spirit.
I brought everything I had in my life’s toolbox to my situation. I was well over 3 years into my cancer journey, before I had to humbly admit I could not move forward further by only relying on myself. That was a huge life lesson to learn and accept. I was in a negative place, anxious and depressed. My body had taken on a life of its own, and it seemed like my emotions were going to follow suit. I knew I needed to find out how other people coped.
I came across a flyer about Wellspring at one of the Hospitals in downtown Toronto and made the decision to join the online Community Forum in early Spring 2025. I found Wellspring to be a real breath of fresh air…
The Forum has given me an opportunity to speak and share and be both understood and validated. I value the Forum as a “virtual” drop-in center, as we do not have to be in the same place at the same time to be able to talk with each other. We share as much or little according to our comfort level with options to post either to all members, or more privately one on one. Members are at varying stages of their journey which include those newly diagnosed through those maintaining times of remission. A tapestry of voices is very supportive of being inspired by and learning from others further along than oneself. It is heartwarming if another person benefits from something we may have shared, as it feels that some good can come out of our own personal challenges.
Cancer is not the first extreme situation to enter my life, but I feel my diagnosis has given me the most opportunity to learn about myself as a person. It is a great gift to have the company of fellow travelers on a similar path. The emotional support back and forth is invaluable, and I give my thanks to all the members who share their very personal stories.
I am very grateful for all those behind the scenes who make the Forum possible, giving information on navigating the site and providing links to multiple areas of interest, in person and online Wellspring programming, as well as in person peer support.
Wellspring is more than just an ‘organization’ for patients, family members and caregivers, perhaps the only way to appreciate such a truly warm welcoming friendly supportive environment is to log in and experience it for oneself 😊
Anne
Anne’s story shows the value of the Forum: real connection and support when it’s needed most. If you haven’t joined yet, we invite you to explore the Forum and be part of this caring community.
Join the Wellspring Community Forum today at the link below: