Meet the individuals who are raising funds and walking the catwalk at this year’s Well Dressed for Spring event.
Eileen Rogers
In 2014, Eileen was diagnosed with a rare spinal cord tumor at the base of her brainstem. As a proud single mother of four, Eileen refused to let it defeat her. She undertook a risky but successful surgery and life continued as normal for a while before a breast cancer diagnosis shockingly hit her in 2025. Currently in treatment, Eileen finds strength in sharing her cancer journey online and is building a community where she inspires others to feel seen, supported and empowered.
Amanda Henderson
In 2023, Amanda asked for an early mammogram after witnessing a colleague receive a diagnosis at a young age. It was this act that caught her breast cancer at the age of 47. Fearing how to tell her three children, Amanda relied on the support of Wellspring’s family counselling to help navigate her discussions. She also credits Healing Journey for playing a major factor in her recovery. Amanda is walking today to encourage and remind everyone to get screened and be proactive in managing your health.
Marina Bournas
After losing her mother to cancer in 2024, Marina was shocked to receive her own breast cancer diagnosis just three months later. A busy CEO and President of a mortgage finance company, Marina felt it was an important show of strength to work throughout her treatment, providing normalcy for her family. Through this journey, Marina has found deep gratitude and a beautiful new perspective. She is walking today to remind herself and others that the most beautiful transformations are born from life’s greatest challenges.
Esther O
In 2023, while breastfeeding her second child, Esther discovered a lump that resulted in a breast cancer diagnosis. Despite fear of uncertainty, Esther became laser focused on treatment so she could spend as much time as possible with her beloved husband and children. Two long years later, Esther credits her faith, family, friends, and Wellspring’s Breast Cancer Support Group, with showing her the importance of trust and community. She’s grateful for her Wellspring community, and values human connection above all else.
Brittany Keenan
As an active person who loves skiing and hiking, Brittany was shocked to find herself diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025 after experiencing unusual bleeding. As a CPA and Partner at EY, Brittany began doing the math, trying to calculate how to balance work, treatment and continuing to be there for her husband and two kids. Throughout her journey, the biggest lesson Brittany learned was that self-care is not a task to be scheduled; listening to your body is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
Mike and Tyler Chalut
As the Executive Director of the popular concert venue El Mocambo, Mike Chalut and his fashion stylist husband, Tyler Chalut, are often the life of the party. Behind closed doors you’d never know they’ve dealt with the loss of all four grandparents to cancer. They’re big proponents of regular testing and highly encourage others to get screened, but they do not live in fear. They want to inspire everyone to find a place where they can contribute, whether it’s donating, volunteering or spreading the word.
Banu Karan
In 2024 Banu was devastated to receive a rare skin cancer diagnosis in 2024. She feared telling her parents, especially her mother who was a cancer survivor herself. Banu’s cancer journey was incredibly humbling. She went from being highly independent to asking for help with basic of tasks. She even lost her nose. She says one of the biggest lessons her cancer journey taught her was that you don’t have to go at life alone, opening up to others and expressing your feelings is incredibly healing.
Hughene Acheson
After a breast cancer diagnosis in November 2024, Hughene found Wellspring, describing it as a place of refuge and strength during her most vulnerable time. Through the Cancer Exercise and Nourish programs, Hughene says she has grown stronger and learned how to take care of herself better, allowing her to remain present for her husband and daughter. With a deepened appreciation for life’s joys, including travel and art, Hughene says cancer can be a wise teacher, reminding us to cherish what matters most.
Julia Ali
In 2021, Julia collapsed and was rushed to the ER, resulting in a lymphoma diagnosis. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full force, Julia made the difficult choice to live apart from her daughters for a portion of her treatment. After chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and surgery, Julia says that cancer has taught her strength she didn’t know she had. Walking today with daughters Livvy and Lyla Rae, Julia says if you’re going through cancer, do not give up. There is so much to live for beyond your diagnosis.
Christina Smith
After losing her mother and three sisters to cancer, Christina found herself with her own breast cancer diagnosis. She says she leaned into the most important lesson she learned from them: perseverance. For the last 13 years, Christina has led Wellspring in the role of CEO. Her leadership has shaped not only the organization but impacted countless individuals living with cancer across Canada. As she retires this year to spend more time with her family, including her husband who dealt with his own cancer diagnosis, she does so with immense gratitude and joy. Today she walks as a leader, survivor and a testament to resilience.