In 2020, four years after immigrating to Canada, Jue Yan was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
She had two surgeries: one to remove the lump in her breast, and the other to remove multiple cancerous lymph nodes. After her second surgery, a biopsy confirmed that she also needed to undertake four rounds of chemotherapy. “I was really trying to avoid chemotherapy because I was so scared of it. Although it wasn’t nice at all – I lost all my hair, developed anxiety, and was hospitalized with a fever – I tried to be grateful. Then I found Wellspring,” says Jue.
Healing through Wellspring
There are many programs that Jue has used during her time as a Wellspring member, all of which she says have been vital in her journey to recovery. “Relaxation and Visualization helped me to deeply relax. With Nourish, I am slowly incorporating the amazing ingredients I learned about into my cooking. The Singing Program helps me forget about the negative things in my life and I become happier after every session,” Jue says.
Having a unique background as an immigrant, Jue says the Money Matters program helped her discover the financial resources available to her. “The Money Matters professionals have analyzed my unique situation and have helped me figure out what funding I can apply for. It really is a huge help,” says Jue.
However, the most important program for Jue was the Healing Journey program. “Not only was Healing Journey a lovely program, but it gave me new skills for how I can handle my cancer day-to-day, while sharing my cancer experience with people who were going through a similar journey,” she says.
Healing isn’t just about medication and chemotherapy. There are many other aspects to healing, Jue says, that Wellspring takes care of. “I believe Wellspring helps to prevent the recurrence of cancer, which in the long run, saves the healthcare system a lot of money,” she says.
All You Need Is Love
For Jue, it was important to find a place where she felt seen and accepted. “The biggest relief for me is that everyone at Wellspring is respectful. There is no discrimination or judgement of others, and it is a safe space,” she says.
According to Jue, this is all because of one four-letter word – love. “Everything at Wellspring is surrounded by love, and I can only truly be healed when I receive love, like I do through the programs I take at Wellspring. Wellspring staff and volunteers put the word love into action,” she says.
The Ripple Effect
Jue believes her two children are better off because of Wellspring. “My children told me they feared losing me. Taking these programs at Wellspring absolutely helped my children because they see that I am ok. Without support, children will also be affected mentally. If I am healthy and happy, it will have a ripple effect on my family, on my children, and in the community.”
Why Donate?
“When donors put money into Wellspring, it not only helps people like me who are living with cancer, but because of the ripple effect, it also helps the community,” says Jue.
According to Jue, Wellspring changed her life. She says thanks to generous donations, people in Canada are fortunate to have these tools free of charge. “Now that I take these programs, I feel like I cannot live without them!”
Follow this link to become a Wellspring member: https://wellspring.ca/getting-started/
To donate, follow this link to our website: https://wellspring.ca/ways-to-give/donate/
