The first time Mina Savov walked through the doors of Wellspring\u2019s Birmingham Gilgan House; she knew volunteering would be in her future.<\/p>\n
But she understood the need to prioritize herself first. After having surgery for ovarian cancer and a preventative double mastectomy, she was just starting out on her healing journey as a Wellspring member. The step to becoming a volunteer would be later down the road.<\/p>\n
Joining Wellspring<\/strong><\/p>\n Mina heard about Wellspring through a close friend who would rave about the programs. Given she was hesitant to join Wellspring at first, her friend would use the tools she learned as a member to guide Mina through her cancer journey. Thankfully, Mina did decide to join Wellspring in 2022, taking the Chi Life and Meditation programs, along with seeing a Peer Support Volunteer which really helped her. \u201cThe only thing I\u2019m sorry about is that I didn\u2019t join Wellspring sooner. The energy of this place is amazing. I was so welcomed and finally felt at peace,\u201d Mina says.<\/p>\n Becoming a Peer Support Volunteer<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI am now three and a half years cancer-free, and I feel wonderful,\u201d Mina says.<\/p>\n Mina began volunteering as a Peer Support volunteer at Wellspring\u2019s Birmingham Gilgan House in Oakville during January 2023. A decision, she says, that changed her life for the better. \u201cThe best part about being a Peer Support Volunteer is helping people and just being a listening ear. I remember every single person I talk to, and I am happy when they update me on how things are going,\u201d Mina says.<\/p>\n Advice for future volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHaving cancer can be a very difficult and long journey. But people don\u2019t have to go on it alone,\u201d Mina says.<\/p>\n Mina encourages anyone looking to become a volunteer to make the leap when they\u2019re ready. \u201cNot only can you be a Peer Support Volunteer, but you can also help with potlucks, events, summer barbeques, and lots more. The volunteers are a close, tight-knit group. To put it into perspective, I currently volunteer alongside the same Peer Support Volunteer who was there for me during my journey with cancer. It doesn\u2019t matter how difficult some conversations are, every time I leave Wellspring, I feel amazing,\u201d says Mina.<\/p>\n \u201cWellspring is a special place because of the people. It is such a safe haven. Everyone makes you feel part of a community.\u201d<\/p>\n Become a volunteer today<\/a> | Learn more about Wellspring\u2019s Peer Support program<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The first time Mina Savov walked through the doors of Wellspring\u2019s Birmingham Gilgan House; she knew volunteering would be in her future. But she understood the need to prioritize herself first. After having surgery for ovarian cancer and a preventative double mastectomy, she was just starting out on her healing journey as a Wellspring member. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":10344,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,8],"tags":[],"location":[],"class_list":["post-10343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-member-story","category-our-inside-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n