On Tuesday, December 2nd, we were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Wellspring Bannon House as part of the official launch of Wellspring New Brunswick, a new affiliate of Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Canada’s leader in evidence-based cancer support programs.
This marks a historic milestone: Wellspring New Brunswick is the first Wellspring Cancer Support affiliate in Atlantic Canada, bringing a comprehensive range of non-medical support services for people living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, all at no charge.
“The launch of Wellspring New Brunswick and opening of its centre, Wellspring Bannon House, marks a new chapter of hope and healing for cancer patients and families in our province. This is about more than programs—it’s about connection, dignity, and community.”
Frances LeBlanc, Friends Foundation President and CEO.
A Haven for Healing: Wellspring Bannon House
Located on 166 MacBeath Avenue near The Moncton Hospital, Wellspring Bannon House was generously gifted to the Friends Foundation by Sheila Bannon. Transformed into a welcoming and supportive space, Wellspring Bannon House will be a dedicated hub where individuals affected by cancer can gather, connect with peers, build resilience, and access vital programs designed to improve quality of life throughout the cancer journey.
“For over 30 years, Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation has provided evidence-based programs across Canada. We are proud to welcome New Brunswick as our newest affiliate and to see the reach of this support expand to Atlantic Canadians,” says Christina Smith, CEO Wellspring Canada.
Comprehensive Programs – At No Cost, No Referral Required
Wellspring Cancer Support has established and continues to advance a supportive care model designed to meet the mental health, rehabilitative, emotional, and educational needs of those affected by cancer. Through Wellspring New Brunswick, this proven model will now be accessible across the province.
Programs are available both in person at Wellspring Bannon House and through online delivery, ensuring accessibility for all New Brunswickers. Early program offerings include:
– Relaxation & Visualization
– Peer Support (Individual & Group)
– Gentle Yoga
– Nourish (nutrition-focused, dietitian-led program)
– Cancer-Related Fatigue
– Exercise
– Brain Fog
Wellspring’s full suite includes more than 50 evidence-based programs, many of which will soon be available locally, including supports for caregivers, parents, and children. French-language programs will also be offered at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.
All programs are led by qualified health care professionals such as registered dietitians, social workers, nurses, and kinesiologists, ensuring safe and effective delivery tailored to the needs of participants.
A Community Effort, Powered by Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of Wellspring New Brunswick. To date, 15 trained peer support volunteers—with lived experience as cancer patients or caregivers—are ready to provide one-on-one support, help facilitate programs, and welcome members at Bannon House
Funded by Community Generosity
Wellspring New Brunswick will be 100% funded through the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and the CHU Dumont Foundation. Together, these organizations are committed to ensuring no one in New Brunswick faces cancer alone.
We are especially grateful to the Medavie Foundation for their remarkable generosity, providing our largest donation of $500,000. This extraordinary gift will strengthen care in our community and ensure that those living with cancer and their families have access to the support they need—today and for years to come.
“At Medavie, we’re honoured to support the opening of Wellspring Bannon House and the launch of Wellspring New Brunswick. This centre will be a place of comfort, connection, and care for cancer patients and their families. It reflects our deep commitment to building healthier communities and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.”
Bernard Lord, CEO, Medavie
About Wellspring New Brunswick
Wellspring New Brunswick, in affiliation with the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, provides evidence-based, professionally led programs that address the emotional, social, practical, and restorative needs of people living with cancer, all at no charge. No referral is required, and all services are funded through community generosity.
About the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation
The Friends of The Moncton Hospital is the philanthropic arm of The Moncton Hospital. We work to inspire giving to help fund new technologies, innovation, renovated spaces and placing the right tools in the hands of our medical staff to strengthen patient care.
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For more information contact:
Jacqueline Bloom, CFRE
Director, Cancer Support
506-229-3286
Jacqueline.Bloom@Wellspring.ca
Julie Thebeau, CFRE
Director, Communications and Donor Experience
506-381-9021
Julie.Thebeau@FriendsFoundation.ca