Jana Marshall and her father, Robert, shared a unique bond. While many people face a cancer journey solo, Jana, diagnosed with breast cancer, and Robert, diagnosed with prostate cancer, bittersweetly faced their diagnoses together and had each other to lean on.<\/p>\n
After both being diagnosed in 2014, Jana took a leave of absence from work and was able to drive Robert to treatment sessions while Robert drove Jana to some medical appointments. While not a bond they ever wished to share, it made them stronger and closer during what was, at the time, the toughest challenge they had ever faced.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really nice for us to spend that time together, bonding over this, despite the circumstances,\u201d says Jana.<\/p>\n
Although both diagnoses were caught early and eventually cured, Jana still felt the lingering emotional impact of her cancer when she was transitioning back into her new \u201cnormal\u201d life. She happened upon Wellspring in 2014 and said she felt instantaneous relief as soon as she walked through the doors. \u201cThe calm, the peacefulness, the people that I met\u2026 I finally had a place where I didn\u2019t have to worry about my family worrying about me. Before, I would sometimes guard my words around my siblings, but here, I could finally talk freely,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
While Jana participated in Wellspring\u2019s Be Well Talks and the Breast Cancer Support Group, she was most positively impacted by the Relaxation and Visualization program, which she described as being the catalyst for starting her meditation journey. \u201cI remember once crying through one whole session, and honestly, it just felt good to be able to let it all out in a safe space. The calm that this program brought over me made me look forward to it so much. Before it, I didn\u2019t have a way to get to that calm. Now, I try to maintain a consistent routine of practicing meditation, so when tough times do come, I know I can lean on those tools,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Sadly, those tough times arrived sooner than expected in 2022, when the Marshall family were faced again with life-altering news\u2014Robert had been diagnosed with an incurable multiple myeloma. While the emotional toll of this news was enough hardship to bear, they also faced practical decisions\u2014Robert wanted to update his will.<\/p>\n
Described as generous and kind, Robert had regularly donated to charities throughout his life. He knew the charities that would benefit from a portion of his estate, and while he didn\u2019t use Wellspring\u2019s services himself, he understood the important impact Wellspring had on his daughter\u2019s life. In his will, Robert made a very generous donation to ensure Wellspring had funds to continue providing vital programs free of charge to more people with cancer. \u201cLeaving a legacy to Wellspring was, I think, my dad\u2019s way of honouring me,\u201d Jana says.<\/p>\n
Inspired by her father\u2019s generosity, Jana included Wellspring and other charities to her own will. \u201cI know how tough it is when a family goes through cancer and how Wellspring can help. I\u2019ve also been fortunate that my financial situation allowed me to do this, and I understand not everyone may be in the same position. Legacy giving is personal, but if your financial situation allows you to be generous outside your family, consider giving. You can leave something in the world that\u2019s going to be useful. Personally, it gives me a sense of purpose that I am leaving a good legacy in the world,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
While changing the wills came with its fair share of challenges, Robert and Jana learnt a lot along the way. \u201cWe both made time to figure out the best way to leave money to our chosen charities, and we talked to many people. As it turns out, we didn\u2019t do it the best way the first time, but there are people out there who can help and make it less complicated,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Robert eventually passed away from cancer in 2023. But thanks to his generous donation to Wellspring, his legacy has allowed many other people impacted by cancer to get the vital support they need.<\/p>\n
As for Jana, she volunteers her time to Wellspring, which she describes as another type of long-term investment and something that brings her closer to her dad. \u201cVolunteering is a connection to my dad for me because every day I see people walk through Wellspring\u2019s doors who I know he has helped,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n