The Charles Family: Living a full life with cancer

February 3, 2025

In March 2022, one day after Marie Charles finished chemotherapy for stage four pancreatic cancer, she bravely took to the runway for Wellspring’s annual fashion show, Well Dressed for Spring.

The Charles family was overjoyed. Watching their amazing matriarch strut down the runway after all she had endured was awe-inspiring. “We all enjoyed every moment of Marie in the spotlight,” says Andrew Charles, Marie’s husband.

Wellspring Well Dressed for Spring 2019 KP 9

Wellspring was a huge part of the Charles family’s cancer journey. During Marie’s chemotherapy at Sunnybrook, the family would often head to Wellspring’s Westerkirk House beforehand to be surrounded by tranquillity. The centre offered Marie peace and comfort before the tough treatment sessions would begin.

Marie lived four years with pancreatic cancer, and despite being at the end of her life, she never allowed anyone to say she was fighting cancer. Instead, Marie was “living a full life with cancer.”

Since Marie’s passing in late 2022, Well Dressed for Spring has become an annual tradition for the Charles family. In 2023, Marie and Andrew’s three

Wellspring's Well Dressed For Spring (2023) 17

children, Brenna, Mitchell, and Victoria, modelled on the Walk of Hope runway in memory of their mother. Brenna volunteers for the Well Dressed for Spring committee, helping to organize the event behind the scenes.

Andrew’s company, Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance, has been a proud sponsor for many years, with this event creating a wonderful and impactful evening out with their customers. “Well Dressed for Spring offers a unique and moving experience for all who attend. Clearly, having Marie as a model has permanently etched our family affection with Wellspring,” says Andrew.

This year, the Charles family and Canada Guaranty generously donated $20,000 each to Well Dressed for Spring. “Our family continues to be inspired by the models we see walking down the runway in challenging circumstances. The Well Dressed for Spring fashion show is so very impactful to all of us in the audience,” says Andrew.

Wellspring’s CEO, Christina Smith, says that donations from the Charles family have enabled many people to live better with cancer. “Year after year, the Charles family continues to support Wellspring’s mission through Well Dressed for Spring. We couldn’t be more grateful for their contributions, which have positively impacted the cancer community. Marie would be so proud,” says Christina.

If you are interested in attending Well Dressed for Spring, purchase tickets today: https://give.wellspring.ca/event/wdfs2025/

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