“I admit, I was a little hesitant at first. I drove by a Wellspring centre but was too nervous about going in. So I just went home,” said Steve.
“But I knew I needed help, and my social worker recommended I try Wellspring. When I finally worked up the nerve, I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and warm the atmosphere was. A volunteer met with me right away and wanted to know more about me so that he could help me in the best way possible. Wellspring ended up saving me.”
Two years ago, Steve was diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST). That day his life turned upside down. “I prided myself on my physical fitness and athleticism, but suddenly, I was unable to do any exercise. I was overwhelmed by the pain and side effects of my treatment following surgery. But I was even more traumatized by the mental and emotional impact. It was like constant psychological warfare.”
“But Wellspring gave me the lifeline I needed to deal with the trauma and stress. On my very first day, I joined a Chi Life class. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and I found I could relate to so many others in the class. I wasn’t alone anymore.”
“Since then, I’ve been blessed to have all the Wellspring resources available to help. I’ve participated in Healing Journey, Chi Life, Yoga, the Be Well Workshops and more. Over the past two years, I’ve only taken about a quarter of the programs that Wellspring has available to me.
“I remember the first time I joined a Relaxation & Visualization group. Tears just rolled down my face the entire time. I was so touched by the care of the leader and the others in the group. I find all the professional leaders and volunteers who help in the programs to be the very best of the best. They are knowledgeable, professional, kind and compassionate.
“Before I reached out for help, I was in a deep, dark depression. The cancer diagnosis, coming at the same time as the lock-downs of the pandemic, sent me to a terrible mental place, and I couldn’t see my way out. But the online programs kept me connected.
“The depression is now gone, and slowly but surely, I’ve learned how to think differently. Everything is much more vivid and has so much more meaning. I’m thriving now and have a whole new outlook on life. I have lots of hope, faith, trust, lots of loving family and friends, I have my fellow cancer travellers, and I have Wellspring.”
