When Jean was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in September 2020, the world was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between hospital visits at North York General Hospital and Sunnybrook, she was navigating cancer treatment during a time of uncertainty and isolation.
That was when she discovered Wellspring.
“I noticed a brochure about Wellspring at the hospital and signed up,” Jean says. “That was really my lifesaver because a lot of it was online. Going through cancer during COVID, you couldn’t really go out at all, so the online programs helped me tremendously.”
For Jean, Wellspring became an important source of support throughout her cancer journey. As someone who describes herself as introverted, she appreciated being able to access programs from home and explore different types of support at her own pace.
“I dabbled in all sorts of programs and figured out what worked for me,” she explains. “I did a lot of the movement programs, Nourish classes, yoga, Chi Life, and an eight-week cancer coaching program that really helped me through my diagnosis.”
During treatment, Jean was coping with fatigue, stress, and the emotional weight of living with cancer during an isolating time. She says the coaching program gave her practical tools and emotional support to help her process what she was going through and regain a sense of stability and confidence. The movement and wellness programs also helped her stay active and connected to her body during a difficult period in her life.
Two years later, Jean learned her cancer had spread to her spine after she began experiencing pain in her back. The diagnosis brought new physical challenges and ultimately led to her going on disability. As her needs changed, Wellspring’s combination of online and in-person programs became an important source of support for both her physical and emotional well-being. By then, Wellspring’s centres had reopened for in-person programming, giving her even more opportunities to connect and participate.
“Now I do both online and in-person programs,” she says. “The yoga and Chi Life classes keep me moving and give me something to look forward to.”
Jean especially values the welcoming atmosphere at Wellspring’s Westerkirk House location in Toronto.
“I love the feel of the environment. I feel like I’m going home,” she says. “The kitchen is amazing, the dietitians, the cooking classes. I really love that.”
Her husband has joined her for cooking classes as well, something Jean says has helped them approach healthy eating together as part of her overall wellbeing.
“I needed him to understand that eating healthy is part of the whole cancer journey,” she says.
Over the years, Jean has become a strong advocate for Wellspring, often encouraging others facing cancer to explore the organization’s programs and services.
“Whenever someone tells me they or someone they know has cancer, I always say, ‘Check out Wellspring,’” she says. “The people there understand because they’ve gone through the same experience. It’s not the same as talking to someone who hasn’t.”
She also appreciates that Wellspring offers a wide range of support options tailored to different needs and personalities.
“Some people like peer support, some people like art or music classes, some prefer online or in person,” she says. “There are so many different programs available.”
Jean believes one of the biggest surprises for many people is learning that Wellspring’s programs are offered free of charge.
“People are amazed that it’s free,” she says. “I tell them it’s a non-profit, and whatever you can give, you give.”
Although ongoing health challenges and disability prevent Jean from volunteering in traditional ways, she continues to give back however she can, including participating in fundraising events and sharing her story publicly.
“I would have loved to volunteer, but because of my condition, I can’t,” she says. “So, I think this is part of my giving back too.”
Reflecting on her experience, Jean hopes more people living with cancer will discover Wellspring earlier in their journey.
“I always say Wellspring is probably one of the best cancer support organizations I’ve seen,” she says. “It should be one of the first places people go.”