Alberta Cancer Foundation and Wellspring Calgary partner to ease the journey for Albertans facing cancer

CALGARY, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Alberta Cancer Foundation and Wellspring Calgary are celebrating a new partnership that will enable more Albertans facing cancer to receive much-needed support after a cancer diagnosis. 

Wellspring Calgary's Carma House is the only centre of its kind in Alberta offering comprehensive services to Albertans living day-to-day with cancer. It has been delivering support to southern Albertans since 2007. Thanks to Cedarglen Homes, a short-term opportunity to offer programs to people living in southern Alberta was offered in one of their Auburn Bay showhomes, with programs funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The Alberta Cancer Foundation has invested $215,000 this year with Wellspring Calgary with the intent of pursuing a longer-term partnership aimed at growing cancer support throughout Alberta.

"The good news is that more Albertans are surviving cancer than before," says Myka Osinchuk, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. "And this means we have an even greater role to play in easing the cancer journey for Albertans. This investment will make it easier to transition from the clinical setting of a hospital to one that improves the quality of life before, during and after treatment."

This new partnership will help expand programs and resources so Wellspring Calgary can continue to address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems which cancer can bring.

"Wellspring Calgary was created because cancer doesn't end when people leave the hospital. Having a place to go for support, to find calm, to pick up the pieces is vital, not only for the person diagnosed but also for those who love them," says Patti Morris, executive director of Wellspring Calgary. "This is such a critical time and we are delighted that this partnership will provide us with an opportunity to continue to grow thoughtfully to serve even more Albertans." 

When J'Val Shuster was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 42, she knew she was in good medical hands at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, but realized she needed more.

"For me Wellspring meant unconditional support in a healing environment," says Shuster, who took part in several programs, including yoga and meditation. "The space is so soothing, it didn't feel institutional. We don't talk about our drugs, our treatment—it's not about the cancer. You appreciate being able to focus on how to live your life."

The Alberta Cancer Foundation investment will enable the organization to reach more people across the province. For example, Wellspring Calgary is working on pilot projects in Camrose and the Stony First Nation, to bring part of the Wellspring experience to those communities.

For more information about Wellspring Calgary, visit wellspringcalgary.ca.

SOURCE: Alberta Cancer Foundation

Phoebe Dey, Director, Communications, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 780.700.6120 or [email protected]; Patti Morris, Executive Director, Wellspring Calgary, 403.521.5292