At Wellspring, we provide a caring community in-person and online, so anyone living with cancer, their caregiver and family members can access vital information, meaningful support and effective coping strategies.
We are an essential partner in the cancer care community.
Wellspring Cancer Support operates through a network of charitable organizations. Each Wellspring offers similar programming and services, tailored to the unique needs of the community it serves.
Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation was founded in 1992 and has the following Mission, Vision and Values. These are consistent with those of our network.
Wellspring helps people living with cancer elevate their quality of life and strengthen mind and body through innovative cancer support programs.
Helping people live better with cancer.
At Wellspring, we value community, compassion, empowerment and respect.
Our Goals
Our Commitment to Diversity
Wellspring welcomes and is accepting of all individuals diagnosed with cancer and those who care for them. We are committed to an authentic approach to continuous improvement with the ultimate goal of all individuals feeling safe and understood within Wellspring programs and centres.
Wellspring runs evidence-based programs that reduce pain and other side effects while helping people find the financial and community resources they need. Wellspring is Canada’s leader in evidence-based cancer support programs, which are provided free of charge and has been shown to*:
We provide over 50 evidence-informed programs and services that address the non-medical needs of cancer patients, their caregivers and families. These programs fall into six main areas:
Wellspring provides a community of support for those living with cancer, driven by the needs of our members.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Wellspring. We have hundreds of volunteers that support all areas of the organization, providing:
Wellspring offers more than 50 diverse and evidence-informed programs and services, delivered by paid professionals. Programs fall within 6 areas, and are available 5-6 days per week to those living with cancer.
Our programs and services are member-driven and co-created.
Wellspring seeks to breakdown potential barriers by ensuring all of our programs and services are available free of charge and without referral.
While we don’t require referrals, health care professionals are the #1 way new members hear about us.
We are 100% donor funded.
* Evidence of program effectiveness:
“There is now, in fact, scientific evidence of the benefits of providing psychosocial cancer care to patients and families … in fostering a better quality of life during and after treatment, and eventually increased survival.” Dr. Barry Bultz et al. PsychoOncology. 2014; 23 (9), US National Library of Medicine
“…exercise leads to a lower risk of recurrence and a higher likelihood of survival for three common types of cancer — breast, prostate and colon cancer.” Kerry Courneya, Co-author of the American Cancer Society’s Updated Health Guidelines for Cancer Survivors and University of Alberta Researcher (ualberta.ca/folio/2022/03)
“Exercise significantly reduced the risk of mortality in patients with cancer and in cancer survivors,” Morishita et.al., Effect of Exercise on Mortality and Recurrence in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, National Library of Medicine (2020).
View Our Impact webpage for additional evidence.
Specific Programs:
Healing Journey: “Some evidence has been found, in prospective, longitudinal studies, that when people with metastatic cancers become strongly involved with psychological and spiritual self-healing work, this may significantly prolong their lives. Qualitative analysis of interviews with people whose lifespan has exceeded expert predictions by many years, has led to a simple theory of the beneficial effects of mental change on progression of cancer.” Cunningham, A.J., Edmonds, C.V.I., Phillips, C., Soots, K.I., Hedley, D. and Lockwood, G.A . (2000) A prospective, longitudinal study of the relationship of psychological work to duration of survival in patients with metastatic cancer . Psycho-oncology, 9:323-339.
Research undertaken by multiple sources, including the American Cancer Society, now indicates that at least 80% of all cancer patients suffer from cancer-related fatigue, which can be debilitating. Wellspring piloted the Cancer-Related Fatigue program in 2020. There were 75 participants in the 4-week pilot from across the Greater Toronto Area. Post-test data showed that 86% of participants were able to manage their cancer-related fatigue better as a result of the program.
The Breathing Wellness program underwent an evaluation between August 2022 and January 2023. 94% of respondents were breathing more easily after taking the program. 100% of respondents were better able to control their breathing as a result of the program. Participants found the specific breathing techniques (leaning forward, recovery breathing, rescue breathing, exercises to build muscle around lungs, etc.) to be helpful, with between 80% and 100% (depending on the specific technique) agreeing that the technique helped them with their breathing.
Effects of the community-based Wellspring Cancer Exercise Program on functional and psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors, D. Santa Mina et. al. Current Oncology, 2017 Oct; 24(5): 284–294. “From baseline to the end of the initial phase, significant improvements in cancer-related fatigue, 6-minute walk test, social well-being, systolic blood pressure, balance, and physical activity volume were observed. During the transition phase, health-related quality of life and emotional well-being improved significantly.”
David Di Gregorio is a Partner at KMB Law where he leads the Banking and Financial Services Team and is a part of the Real Estate and Land Development Team. He has a broad commercial real estate practice, representing large corporations, small businesses, real estate developers, financial institutions, and private lenders. David’s commercial real estate practice is focused on: the purchase and sale of commercial properties and lands, and commercial leasing. In his secured lending practice, David advises financial institutions, private lenders and borrowers in debt financing transactions of all kinds, including real estate financings, construction/project financing, asset-based lending and other credit facilities (secured, non-secured, domestic, revolving and term). Before becoming a lawyer, David received his Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in 2007. He subsequently completed his J.D. at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Law. David is actively involved in the community and maintains an ever-expanding network of contacts in the Greater Toronto Area.
Isa is a breast cancer survivor and brings her experience in media and sales to Wellspring.
After studying Italian and Art History in university, she received a college diploma in Broadcast Journalism. In 1999, Isa began working at CityTV as a video librarian, and then newswriter for City Pulse News and the launch of CP24. From there, Isa joined Telelatino Network as the Library and Program Manager. She worked there until 2005, then decided to stay home to raise her two children.
In 2023, Isa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She learned about Wellspring Cancer Centre very quickly after her diagnosis and soon began participating in Wellspring Chinguacousy’s services – including peer support, individual therapy, and fitness and nutrition programs. It was these services that helped her both physically and emotionally during her recovery after having a double mastectomy.
Wellspring Chinguacousy has become like a second family to her, and she feels a genuine connection to everyone who walks in.
Greg Bonnell worked as a print and broadcast journalist for 25 years before joining TD Bank as host of its MoneyTalk Live and TD Active Trader Live on-air programs. Over his career he has interviewed bank CEOs, politicians and movie stars. Greg grew up in Brampton and after a decade in Toronto returned in 2007 to raise his family. As a first-time board member, Greg is hoping his media experience can be of benefit to the important work being done by Wellspring Chinguacousy.
Roberta Canning is a dedicated community leader with decades of experience in community development, outreach, and collaboration across the Peel Region. A lifelong Brampton resident since 1961, Roberta brings deep local knowledge and strong relationships to her role as a Board Member with Wellspring Chinguacousy. She previously served for nearly 20 years with the City of Brampton in the Recreation and Performing Arts Divisions and currently works as Executive Assistant to the Lead Minister at North Bramalea United Church. Roberta is actively involved in several community organizations, including the Brampton Ladies Club and the Professors Lake Residents Association, and is passionate about supporting Wellspring’s mission of providing compassionate support, connection, and hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer.
As President of Xcel Construction since 2019, David Pusateri brings visionary leadership, strategic direction, and extensive industry expertise to every project. With over two decades of progressive experience in building envelope repairs and parking structure Restoration, David ensures Xcel is recognized for its integrity, quality, and innovation.
David’s career began in skilled labor, where he developed a hands-on understanding of construction techniques before moving into project management, where he spent seven years leading complex restoration projects. He later served as Director of Construction at A-CON Construction Limited, overseeing operations, workforce coordination, and client relations, before assuming his current role at Xcel.A n Advanced Diploma graduate from George Brown College, David is recognized for his ability to multi-task, his strategic vision, and his proven leadership. His expertise spans project execution, safety management, subcontractor negotiations, cost control, and business development. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events and concerts, and sharing great meals with friends and loved ones.
Born and raised in the Heart Lake area of Brampton, Michael Palleschi was first elected to Brampton City Council in 2014 as a Regional Councillor for Wards 2 & 6. Prior to being elected, Michael held various roles and positions in the energy sector.
Michael has seen the City grow from a farming community to one of the largest and fastest growing municipalities in Canada. He is dedicated to working with residents and community groups to ensure that their voices are heard and represented at the decision-making table. Being a single father of three children, community safety has been and will continue to be a key priority for Michael. Other key priorities for Michael include accountability, transparency and good governance; building and supporting inclusive communities and the environment.
Having grown up in a family heavily involved in their community, Michael has experienced firsthand the degree of dedication and hard work it takes to be an effective community leader. Michael’s experience in policy and procedure coupled with his unrelenting drive to improve the quality of life for his community are hallmarks of his commitment to Brampton City and Peel Regional Councils.
A trailblazer in the Canadian financial landscape, Don is committed to transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses grow. As the founder and CEO of Waverley Corporate Financial Services Ltd., Canada’s largest exempt market dealer, Don has helped thousands of Canadians reach their financial goals through investing locally in Canadian small businesses.
Don has served on numerous private, public, industry, and charity boards.
Patricia has built her career in the non-profit industry over the past 16 years, working in community fundraising and events. She made the transition to non-profit industry with a role at Canadian Cancer Society in 2010. This is where she first became aware of Wellspring and the critical work that it does. That role involved working on Daffodil Month throughout the GTA and specifically with the Peel Community Office serving the same communities as Wellspring Chinguacousy.
From there she moved onto Cystic Fibrosis Canada working with volunteers and committees on events throughout Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Currently she is Director, Events and Community Partnerships for Southlake Health Foundation in Newmarket. One constant throughout these roles has been working to empower the community to raise funds and turn their passion for the cause into meaningful and impactful initiatives.
Patricia raised her family in Brampton, blocks away from Wellspring Chinguacousy and moved to Orangeville a few years ago but remains connected to the Brampton community after having lived there for 23 years. She has an adult son and daughter and a very high-spirited Bichon Poodle who likes to offer his support during all virtual meetings.
Navjit Kaur Brar is a proud Bramptonian. She was born and brought up in Brampton, and is raising her three children with her partner in this city. Her election victory is historic as she becomes the first turban wearing councillor in Canada.
Navjit completed her undergraduate at the University of Toronto and continued her studies at Canadore College to become a fulltime Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). She worked as an RRT for the past decade in the Peel region.
Navjit is passionate about bringing better services to her residents and ensuring their voices are heard at City Hall.
Yogeeta H. Jhodhan is a healthcare leader, consultant, educator, and podcast host, featured on various TV shows, Cityline, The Good Stuff, Rogers TV, known for her extensive work in the home care and community health sectors. She combines operational leadership with advocacy, education, and public engagement to improve home-based care services and support aging populations.
Yogeeta’s career spans clinical, managerial, and community leadership roles across health, aging, and wellness sectors. She began her professional journey earning a Personal Support Worker diploma followed by an RPN designation from George Brown College, and later completing double degrees in Psychology and Adult Development and continues her education.
Yogeeta’s community contributions & cultural work have been widely recognized. In 2012 she was among Canadians awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service, and she received honors during International Women’s Month in Peel Region and various other awards regarding her community impact in community.
Andrew Grossi is a senior manager at KPMG LLP in Vaughan. He specializes in advising clients in the GTA and guiding them through tax, audit and assurance issues, sales and acquisitions, operational improvement and general business matters. Andrew has over 10 years of experience working with privately held businesses ranging from small owner-managed companies to large multi-nationals.
Prior to his current role, Andrew spent 5 years working with Danbury Global, helping businesses facing restructuring and insolvency issues to maximize returns through professional auctions, liquidations and private sales.
Andrew is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with High Distinction from the University of Toronto.
Andrew cares deeply about his community and has a passion for supporting those in need. He recognizes the importance of having a support network and helping with the quality of life of those impacted by cancer.
Jason Da Silva was born and raised in Brampton. He attended the University of Western Ontario where he received his Honours BACS in Finance.
Having grown up in and around his family’s catering business, Jason learned the value of hard work and community involvement at a very young age. He has a strong work ethic, showing drive and determination in business and a commitment to supporting his local community.
Jason established his own real estate business during University. This successful business venture led to him joining Rice Development Corp. in 2008 where he currently serves as C.E.O.
Wanting to contribute to the community on a more personal level, Jason explored several opportunities that ultimately led to him being appointed to the Board of Directors of Wellspring Chinguacousy. Jason also serves on the Board of Directors of The Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation.
Jason and Laura are very proud parents of their three children, Scarlette, Leo and Eleanor.
Kevin has spent his entire career serving clients in Ontario’s public sector, including those operating in the Local Government, Healthcare and Not for Profit space. He brings 33 years of public accounting experience serving Cities, hospitals and other healthcare organizations, Ontario public sector entities, NPOs and associations. He has previously held multiple national leadership roles within the firm including most recently having served as the National Leader of KPMG’s Infrastructure, Government, and Healthcare audit practice, showcasing his leadership in the domain. Kevin combines strong technical abilities in the area of public sector financial reporting with an ability to explain key concepts to stakeholders who have varying degrees of comfort with public sector financial reporting. He has delivered numerous educational seminars and webinars and has provided guest lectures on how a public sector finance function can attract, develop and retain talent, how finance can be part of a strategic HR planning cycle and on non-profit accounting and auditing at a variety of post secondary education institutions.
