Vivian’s Story
Wellspring saved my life . . .
The biggest step is opening the door to a Wellspring centre, but once you do, the welcome is so great. I just took a deep breath, walked in and I immediately felt safe. I felt like I was home. You need a lot of caring and love when you are going through cancer and Wellspring gives you just that.
I participated in a number variety of programs at Wellspring Westerkirk House, and while I think they all helped save my life and my sanity, it was the Healing Journey program that gave me new knowledge, helped me learn about myself and helped me learn how to cope with my emotions.
I started donating to Wellspring because I believed the organization saved my life. Without the support and learning gained at Wellspring, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to see that type of help extended to others, just the way it was to me.
To receive, you have to give and vice versa. I look at donating and giving back as a pleasure not as a demand. I encourage people to give as much as they can because the funds given to Wellspring are used directly to help others going through cancer.
I was awed by the fact that Wellspring does not receive any hospital or government funding, and that people can use the programs at no charge with no questions asked. Wellspring is a community where you can meet others who are experiencing similar emotions and are in similar situations. I tell people to just walk in the door and afterwards, they’ll never again feel like they’re alone. That is so important when you are going through cancer.
Wellspring gave me the strength to get through cancer and it provided me with comfort and hope. What I learned at Wellspring is worth a million dollars, so I always make sure that each year, I give a little bit of it back.